H₂SO₄-Promoted Synthesis of (E)-Stilbenes from Substituted Phenylacetones and Substituted Benzaldehydes Through Tandem Aldol–Grob Reaction

Abstract

Stilbene derivates (stilbenoids) are present in plants and show a wide range of biological activities and potential therapeutic value. In continuation of our natural product synthesis program, an efficient, simple, and practical method has been developed to regioselectively synthesize (E)-stilbenes using H₂SO₄ as a catalyst in a short time (30–60 s) at room temperature in good to excellent yields.

Keywords:

• (E)-Stilbenes
• H₂SO₄
• phenylacetones
• 1-phenylpropan-2-one

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are thankful to the director, Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), for support of the synthesis of natural product analogs, the SAIF Division of CDRI for spectral data, and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, and University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, for financial support.

Notes

^a Isolated yields.

CDRI communication No. 7709.