A one-pot synthesis of 1,4-diarylnaphthalenes from cinnamaldehydes,
dimethyl benzylphosphonates, and benzenediazonium-2-carboxylate
is described. The tandem process involves the Wittig-Horner
reaction of the cinnamaldehyde with the benzylphosphonate, [4+2] cycloaddition
of the thus-formed diene with benzyne, and subsequent dehydrogenation.
The procedure is general and efficient and the substrates are readily
available.
diphenylnaphthalene - tandem reaction - Wittig-Horner reaction - cycloaddition - benzyne