Transition metal-free domino sequential synthesis of (E)-stilbenes, biaryl methanes and biaryl ethers using Et2AlCl as a Lewis acid

Abstract

A transition metal-free domino process has been developed, for the first time, to synthesize (E)-stilbenes, biaryl methanes and biaryl ethers from substituted α,β-unsaturated ketones, benzyl acetones and phenacyl ethers, respectively, in moderate to good yields at room temperature using diethyl aluminium chloride (Et₂AlCl) as a Lewis acid.