Molecular iodine-catalyzed benzylation of arenes with benzyl alcohols

A novel molecular iodine-catalyzed benzylation of arenes with benzyl alcohols has been developed. The reaction can be carried out under mild conditions to afford a series of diarymethane derivatives in high yields and good regioselectivities.

A molecular iodine-catalyzed benzylation was carried out under mild condition to afford the corresponding product in high yield and good regioselectivity.