Synthesis of Benzhydryl-Substituted Amines by Silanolate-Mediated Aldimine Arylation with Functionalized Aryl Nucleophiles Released from Diazene-Based Reagents.

A transition-metal-free protocol for the arylation of N-phenyl- and N-benzoyl-substituted, benzaldehyde-derived imine derivatives with functionalized aryl pronucleophiles is reported. The aryl nucleophiles are released from silicon-protected aryl-substituted diazenes by desilylation with potassium trimethylsilanolate concomitant with the loss of dinitrogen. A broad range of functional groups is tolerated in the aryl nucleophile but, depending upon their electronic effect, require specific groups at the imine nitrogen atom.