DBSA catalyzed cyclotrimerization of acetophenones: An efficient synthesis of 1,3,5-triarylbenzenes under solvent-free conditions

A facile method for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triarylbenzenes is developed via cyclotrimerization of acetophenones in the presence of 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) as an efficient Bronsted acid catalyst under solvent-free conditions. This synthetic protocol has several advantages such as green reaction conditions, short reaction times, high atom economy and good to excellent yields of the target products. (C) 2012 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.