Microwave-assisted efficient synthesis of 1,2-diaryldiketones: a novel oxidation reaction of diarylalkynes with DMSO promoted by FeBr3

Abstract This paper reports the oxidation of functionalized diarylalkynes with DMSO in the presence of the environmentally friendly FeBr 3 catalyst. This non-toxic procedure is general and has been applied successfully under microwave irradiation leading rapidly to benzil derivatives in good yields.