Hf(OTf)4-Catalyzed highly diastereoselective synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted tetralin derivatives via benzylic C(sp3)–H bond functionalization

Abstract

We report a highly diastereoselective synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted tetralin derivatives via Lewis acid catalyzed benzylic C(sp³)–H bond functionalization. The employment of Hf(OTf)₄ as an acid catalyst was crucial in the reaction, and corresponding tetralins were obtained in good chemical yields with high to excellent diastereoselectivities (up to 13.3 : 1 d.r.).