An efficient and facile synthesis of 3-aryl-1,5-pentanedione derivatives under solvent-free conditions

An efficient synthesis of 3-aryl-1,5-pentanedione derivatives from the reaction of aromatic aldehydes and 1,2-diphenylethanone has been reported. Although 3-aryl-1,5-pentanedione is a frequently used synthetic intermediate, few mature methods have been reported for the synthesis of this kind of derivative. In our research, this reaction could be carried out smoothly promoted by NaOH under solvent-free conditions. Because of the low cost, and readily available reagent, NaOH is an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of these dione compounds. The other advantages of this procurement are high yields, simple operation, atomic economy, mild reaction conditions, and environmental friendliness. The d-D structure has been additional confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis.