Efficient synthetic route to bisaryl ketones via copper-catalyzed C–C triple bonds cleavage

An efficient copper-catalyzed aerobic synthesis of bisaryl ketones from 1,2-diarylalkynes via C–C triple bonds cleavage has been demonstrated. The aniline compounds were found to be crucial in our conditions and a plausible mechanism was put forward. This reaction constitutes a new transformation from 1,2-diarylalkynes into bisaryl ketones with a practical, neutral, and mild synthetic approach. [Display omitted]