Carbon Diarylation of Iodonium Ylides for Construction of All-Carbon Quaternary Centers

The construction of all-carbon quaternary centers via multiple bond formations remains a significant challenge in synthetic chemistry. Herein, we report a tandem diarylation process initiated via [2+2] cycloaddition between aryne species and iodonium ylides to form 4-membered iodocyclobutane intermediate. This intermediate subsequently undergoes a 1,2-aryl migration from iodonium to carbon, producing unsymmetrical a-diarylated malonic esters. The process is remarkable for its mild conditions, broad substrate compatibility, and the capability to form two C−C bonds and one C-I bond in a single step. This work also uncovers a novel reaction mode for iodonium ylide reagents.