Palladium catalyzed α-arylation of methyl isobutyrate and isobutyronitrile: an efficient synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted benzyl alcohol and amine intermediates

Several 2,5-disubstituted benzyl alcohols containing a functionalized t-butyl moiety were synthesized via palladium catalyzed α-arylation of methyl isobutyrate and butyronitrile on synthetically useful scales. The resulting benzyl alcohols could then be further elaborated to benzyl amines or other desirable intermediates.