Synthesis of ethyl arylacetates by means of Friedel–Crafts reactions of aromatic compounds with ethyl α-chloro-α-(ethylthio)acetate catalysed by ytterbium triflate

An efficient Friedel–Crafts alkylation of aromatic compounds with ethyl α-chloro-α-(ethylthio)acetate catalysed by ytterbium triflate, followed by desulfurisation of the product provides a convenient methodology for the synthesis of ethyl arylacetates of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds.