Double elimination protocol for access to unsymmetrically substituted aromatic polyynes starting from sulfones and aldehydes

A double elimination protocol has been established for access to unsymmetrically substituted aromatic polyynes by use of dialdehyde and substituted benzylic or propargylic sulfones as starting compounds. For this protocol, various substituted sulfones and phthalaldehydes were usable giving rise to the formation of the desired substituted aromatic polyynes.