Abstract

The organo-catalyzed reaction of chalcones with acetone has been described. Pyrrolidine has been found to catalyse the cascade Michael-aldol-dehydration of chalcones and acetone to produce 3,5-diaryl cyclohexenones under mild conditions with good yields. The organocatalytic methodology tolerated a range of substituents on both the aromatic rings of chalcones. The cyclohexenones produced are known to be the precursors for 3,5-diarylphenols, 3,5-diarylanilines and complex heterocycles.

Keywords: Atom economic, cascade reaction, chalcones, 3, 5-diarylcyclohexenone, Michael-aldol-dehydration, one-pot synthesis, organocatalysis.

Graphical Abstract