Recent Advances in Triarylmethane Synthesis

Triarylmethanes are important molecules in organic chemistry. This review discusses advances in their synthesis summarized in five categories according to the starting materials: (1) benzyl reagents with different leaving groups, such as benzyl alcohols, ethers, esters, phosphates, sulfones, thioethers, sulfonamide, 1,3-dicarbonyls, and ammonium salts; (2) reactions via para- or ortho-quinone methides; (3) arylation of benzyl halides; (4) C–H activation of methylenes; and (5) reactions of aldehydes or N-tosylhydrazones. Triarylmethane derivatives such as 9-arylxanthenones, 9-arylfluorenes, and aryloxepines are also discussed. 1 Introduction 2 Benzyl Reagents with Leaving Groups 3 Quinone Methide Mediated Reactions 4 Arylation of Benzyl Halides 5 C–H Activation of Methylene 6 Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds 7 Conclusions