InBr3: a versatile catalyst for the different types of Friedel-Crafts reactions.

Mild and efficient InBr(3)-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts alkylation of heteroaromatic or electron-rich aromatic compounds with alpha-amido sulfones at room temperature in CH(2)Cl(2) has been developed. The products undergo further Friedel-Crafts alkylation with heteroaromatic or electron-rich aromatic compounds leading to unsymmetrical or bis-symmetrical triaryl methanes in good yield. Alpha-amido sulfones are employed for the synthesis of the unsymmetrical and bis-symmetrical triaryl methanes. The use of mild reaction condition, low catalytic loading, and high yield are the advantages of the present procedures.