Synthesis of Unsymmetrically Substituted Benzils via the Friendel-Crafts Reaction of Arenes with α-Chloro-α-(methylthio)acetophenones

Abstract

Lewis acid-promoted reactions of arenes with α-chloro-α-(methylthio)acetophenones 6-8 gave the Friedal-Crafts reaction products 9, which were then treated with 3 molar eq of cupric chloride in aqueous acetone to afford the unsymmetrically substituted benzils 10.