A new, fast and efficient synthesis of 3-aryl indenones: intramolecular cyclization of 1,3-diarylpropynones in superacids

Abstract 1,3-Diarylpropynones were cleanly converted to the corresponding 3-arylindenones in various superacidic media. This new, simple, one-pot reaction proved to be efficient (yields up to 95%) and very fast (reaction time less than 30 min).