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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Efficient Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Benzenes in Water via Persulfate-promoted Benzannulation of α,β-Unsaturated Compounds and Alkynes
Published on: December 16, 2019
Conversion of 1,4-diketones into para-disubstituted benzenes
Vincent E Ziffle1, Ping Cheng, Derrick L J Clive
1Chemistry Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
Abstract:
Reaction of acetylides with aldehydes to form but-2-yne-1,4-diols, followed by triple bond reduction and oxidation of the hydroxyl groups, gives 1,4-diketones; these react with vinyllithium, and the resulting diols undergo ring-closing metathesis to form 2-cyclohexene-1,4-diols. Dehydration, usually by acid treatment, then gives benzenes carrying substituents in a 1,4 relationship. Use of substituted vinyllithiums provides further substitution on the final benzene rings. The method can be applied to the synthesis of C5-aryl carbohydrates.
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