Efficient synthesis of dibenzo[a,c]cyclohepten-5-ones via a sequential Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and aldol condensation reaction.

A common strategy for the synthesis of a 7-membered-ring system with a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling followed by an acid/base-promoted intramolecular aldol condensation reaction has been developed. The reaction of 2'-bromoacetophenones with 2-formylphenylboronic acids in the presence of Pd(OAc)(2) and CataCXium PIntB L8 efficiently provided biaryl compounds, which were transformed to a wide array of dibenzo[a,c]cyclohepten-5-ones in excellent yields by a sequential treatment with p-TsOH, followed by 10% aq NaOH.