Hydroarylation of alkynes and alkenes through alumina-sulfuric acid catalyzed regioselective C C bond formation

Abstract A highly atom-efficient synthetic protocol for hydroarylation of terminal-aryl alkynes and styrene through the regioselective C C bond formation via the electrophilic addition of naphthols and substituted phenols has been developed using alumina-sulfuric acid as a heterogeneous supported solid acid catalyst. This methodology shows excellent regioselectivity and affords the desired product in good to excellent yield. The heterogeneous catalyst can also be recycled efficiently without much loss of activity.