KO^tBu/DMF-Mediated Hydroalkylation of Alkenes via Benzylic C–H Bond Activation

Catalytic hydroalkylation reaction of alkenes with benzylic hydrocarbons involving t-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 (pK_a ∼ 32.2) and benzyl thioethers (pK_a ∼ 30.8) or inert alkylbenzenes could all act as useful synthetic platforms to be conveniently alkylated under mild reaction conditions.