A metal-free method for the facile synthesis of indanones via the intramotecular hydroacylation of 2-vinytbenzaldehyde

A facile method for the synthesis of indanones was developed under metal- and additive-free conditions, wherein L-proline served as an efficient and environmentally benign catalyst. Compared with previously synthesized indanones, synthesis by the transition-metal-catalyzed intramolecular hydroacylation of 2-vinylbenzaldehyde provided a more green synthetic pathway to indanone scaffolds with good to excellent yields. More importantly, it could be used to synthsize the anti-AD drug donepezil.

Automated summary

A new method for synthesizing indanones using L-proline as a catalyst under metal- and additive-free conditions has been developed, providing a more environmentally friendly pathway with good yields. This method can be used to synthesize the anti-AD drug donepezil.