Straightforward three-component synthesis of diarylmethylpiperazines and 1,2-diarylethylpiperazines

Several functionalized diarylmethylpiperazines and 1,2-diarylethylpiperazines have been synthesized in moderate to high yield according to a one-step three-component coupling between an aromatic or a benzylic organozinc reagent, a piperazine derivative, and an aromatic aldehyde. The procedure can be extended to the synthesis of benzylpiperazine derivatives or β-arylethylpiperazines toward the use of paraformaldehyde or aliphatic aldehydes.