One-pot synthesis of multifunctionalized m-terphenyls

A facile one-step synthetic protocol toward multifunctionalized m-terphenyls 5 and sulfonyl m-terphenyls 6 is developed from substituted chalcones 1 and allyl sulfone 2 in good yields via a [3C+3C] annulation. The NaH-mediated annulation features transition metal catalyst-free condition. Chalcones 1 with the functional groups tolerance are easily prepared via Claisen–Schmidt condensation of substituted benzaldehydes 3 with acetophenone 4 in a qualitative yield under an aqueous alkaline methanolic solution.