The TfOH-mediated reactions of 2,4-diaryl-1,1,1-trifluorobut-3-yn-2-oles (CF₃-substituted diaryl propargyl alcohols) with arenes in CH₂Cl₂ afford 1,3-diaryl-1-CF₃-indenes in yields up to 84%. This new process for synthesis of such CF₃-indenes is complete at room temperature within one hour. The synthetic potential, scope, and limitations of this reaction were illustrated by more than 70 examples. The proposed reaction mechanism invokes the formation of highly reactive CF₃-propargyl cation intermediates that can be trapped at the two mesomeric positions by the intermolecular nucleophilic attack of an arene partner with a subsequent intramolecular ring closure.
Keywords: cationic reaction mechanism; propargyl cations; triflic acid; trifluoromethyl indenes; trifluoromethyl propargyl alcohols.