KOBu/DMF-Mediated Hydroalkylation of Alkenes via Benzylic C-H Bond Activation.

Catalytic hydroalkylation reaction of alkenes with benzylic hydrocarbons involving -BuOK/DMF-mediated benzylic C-H bond activation is demonstrated. This direct and operational simple protocol affords a rapid and reliable access to a wide scope of benzylic compounds in good-to-excellent yields. The benzylic C-H's of either activated diarylmethanes (p ∼ 32.