An efficient regioselective synthesis of functionalized biphenyls via sequential reactions of aromatic aldehydes and β-keto esters or ketones

Abstract

Knoevenagel/ Michael/ Aldol reactions of aromatic aldehydes and β-keto esters/ketones in a sequential manner yielded the intermediate cyclohexanones in good yields. The latter on oxidative aromatization with iodine afforded the functionalized biphenyls with at least one phenolic hydroxyl in moderate to good yields