Abstract

A rapid and efficient method for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triarylpent-2-ene-1,5-diones is described based on a low-cost and environmentally benign KF/Al2O3 and PEG-400 co-catalyst catalyst via open-ring reactions of 2,4,6- triarylpyrylium salts compounds under microwave irradiation conditions. The advantage of this method is satisfactory yields, short reaction time and the use of a cheaper, milder, and efficient catalyst. Finally, twelve α,β- unsaturated diones have been obtained in good to excellent yields by this procedure.

Keywords: 1, 3, 5-Triarylpent-2-ene-1, 5-diones, KF/Al2O3, microwave irradiation, PEG-400, eco-friendly, alumina, neutral, electron-withdrawing functional groups, benzene, Varian Mercury-plus 400 NMR spectrometer