Formation of 1,4-diketones via bis-acylation of the conjugated carbon–carbon double bonds in acrylates, acrylamides, methyl vinyl ketone and styrenes with aroyl chlorides promoted by samarium metal in DMF

Promoted by samarium in DMF, aroyl chlorides react readily with conjugated carbon–carbon double bonds in acrylates, acrylamides, methyl vinyl ketone and styrenes in a bis-acylation manner. These reactions proceed smoothly under mild conditions without the need of pretreating or activating the metallic samarium, affording the corresponding 1,4-diketones in good to excellent yields.