The selective cross McMurry couplings of diaryl or aryl ketones with various substituted ketones were achieved in 53−94% isolated yields. It is believed that the strong affinity of the substituents to the low-valent titanium surface plays an important role in regards to moderating selectivity. Through the introduction of such substituents followed by their removal post McMurry coupling, structurally
The one-pot, cross McMurry coupling between two different diaryl ketones gave structurally varied tetraarylethenes in 59-80% isolated yields. This synthetic protocol is more convenient and effective compared to previously reported procedures