Direct synthesis of 1-indanones via Pd-catalyzed olefination and ethylene glycol-promoted aldol-type annulation cascade.

A wide range of multisubstituted 1-indanones of potential pharmaceutical use were synthesized in a one-pot fashion in moderate to excellent yields via palladium catalysis in ethylene glycol. The Heck reaction first installs an enol functionality on the aromatic ring; this is followed by an ethylene glycol promoted aldol-type annulation with a neighboring carbonyl group, resulting in the formation of various 1-indanones.