An efficient regioselective synthesis of functionalized biphenyls via sequential reactions of aromatic aldehydes and β-keto esters or ketones

Knoevenagel/Michael/Aldol reactions of aromatic aldehydes and β-keto esters/ketones in a sequential manner yielded intermediate cyclohexanones in good yields. The latter, on oxidative aromatization with iodine, afforded functionalized biphenyls with at least one phenolic hydroxyl in moderate to good yields.