Synthesis of α-arylacetophenone derivatives by Grignard reactions and transformations of arynes via C–C bond cleavage†

Abstract

Divergent synthesis of α-arylacetophenones by 1,2-addition and subsequent transformations via aryne intermediates is disclosed. The choice of solvent played a critical role in the efficient synthesis of benzocyclobutenols by the Grignard reaction. The generation of arynes from the resulting alcohols via the C–C bond cleavage facilitated the synthesis of a diverse array of α-arylacetophenones.