DBU-Catalyzed Rearrangement of Secondary Propargylic Alcohols: An Efficient and Cost-Effective Route to Chalcone Derivatives

Abstract

A 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU)-catalyzed rearrangement of diarylated secondary propargylic alcohols to give α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds has been developed. The typical 1,3-transposition of oxy functionality, characteristic of Mayer–Schuster rearrangements, is not observed in this case. A broad substrate scope, functional-group tolerance, operational simplicity, complete atom economy, and excellent yields are among the prominent features of the reaction. Additionally, the photophysical properties and crystal-structure-packing behavior of selected compounds were investigated and found to be of interest.