An efficient synthesis of o-terphenyls from Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts of cinnamaldehydes: a consecutive bromination, Wittig reaction, 6π-electrocyclization, and an aerobic oxidation process

An efficient synthetic method of o-terphenyls was developed from Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts. The synthesis was carried out via a sequential bromination of MBH adducts, Wittig reaction with various aldehydes, 6π-electrocyclization, and a base-mediated aerobic oxidation process.