Metal-free synthesis of indenone derivatives from ortho-alkynylaryl ketones mediated by the combination of dialkyl phosphonates and CBr4

Abstract

A novel metal-free synthesis of indenone derivatives mediated by CBr4 and diethyl phosphonate is reported. The methodology has a relatively wide substrate scope and is suitable to access a π-extended indenone and an s-indacene-1,5-dione derivative as well.