Intermolecular addition of phenols, carboxylic acids, and protected amines to inert olefins can be catalyzed by low concentrations (1-5%) of triflic acid. Functional groups, such as the methoxyl substitution on aromatics, could be tolerated if the concentration of triflic acid and the reaction temperature are controlled appropriately. This reaction provides one of the simplest olefin addition methods and is an alternative to metal-catalyzed reactions.
