An Efficient Synthesis of Diaryl Ketones by Iron‐Catalyzed Arylation of Aroyl Cyanides

An alternative to acyl chlorides: Iron(III)-catalyzed arylation of aroyl and heteroaroyl cyanides with aryl magnesium reagents (see example in scheme) provides an easy and mild approach to polyfunctionalized diaryl ketones in yields up to 98 %. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2004/z53696_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.