AlCl3 as a powerful catalyst for the one-pot preparation of 1,1,3-triheteroaryl compounds

A general and efficient procedure for the synthesis of 1,1,3-triheteroaryl compounds in good to excellent yield at room temperature is developed. The reaction proceeds via mixed Michael and Friedel–Crafts reactions of α,β-enals or α,β-enones and indoles, 2-methylfuran or 2-methylthiophene in the presence of a catalytic amount of AlCl3.