A green synthesis of unsymmetrical triarylmethanes via indium (III) triflate catalyzed Friedel Crafts alkylation of o -hydroxy bisbenzylic alcohols under solvent free conditions

Using indium (III) triflate as a mild Lewis acid catalyst, the Friedel Crafts alkylation of o-hydroxy bisbenzylic alcohols with aromatic/heteroaromatic arenes under solvent free conditions was achieved to give the corresponding unsymmetrical triarylmethanes in high yields (up to 80% yield). Calculation of the different green metrics for the above reaction revealed it to have high atom economy (94–96%), high reaction mass efficiency (66–77%) and high carbon efficiency (70–80%). The Lewis acid was found to be air and moisture tolerant. The protocol was found to be operationally simple and can be carried out in an “open-flask” leaving behind water as the sole by product. Gratifyingly the Lewis acid catalyst could be recycled and reused up to 5 catalytic cycles without compromising much on the yield thus further highlighting the importance of the protocol.