Target-oriented synthesis: miscellaneous synthetic routes to access 1,4-enediones through the coupling of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with multiform substrates

Target-oriented synthetic protocol was presented for the synthesis of 1,4-enediones. The approach can efficiently construct 1,4-enediones through different reaction pathways from multiform substrates α-halo aromatic ketones, 2-hydroxy-aromatic ketones and methyl carbinols. In this reaction, CuI was found to be the most efficient catalyst. Multiform substrates were also found to perform well to afford the products in a one-pot fashion.