Acyl hydrazides as acyl donors for the synthesis of diaryl and aryl alkyl ketonesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: 1H and 13C NMR spectra for all novel compounds and compounds prepared by a novel protocols. See DOI: 10.1039/c3cc47967f

In this communication we describe a novel strategy for the formation of valuable diaryl and aryl alkyl ketones from acyl hydrazides. A wide variety of ketones are prepared and the mild reaction conditions allow for the use of a range of functionalities, especially in the synthesis of diaryl ketones. A novel strategy for the formation of diaryl and aryl alkyl ketones under mild conditions is described.