Indium-Induced Reaction of Phenacyl Iodide. Deiodinative Dimerization to β,γ-Epoxy Ketone and Aldol Condensation with Aldehydes

Abstract The reaction of phenacyl iodide with indium metal gave 3,4-epoxy-1,3-diphenyl-1-butanone which, on treatment with silica gel, gave 2,4-diphenylfuran and 2,4-diphenyl-4-oxobutanal. Metallic indium as well as indium(I) iodide were found to mediate the aldol condensation between α-halo ketone and aldehyde.