Benzil → 2,5-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-diphenylcyclopenta-2,4-dien-1-one

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Reaction Steps

Equivalent weights of benzil and the 1,3-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)propanone prepared in the first step are dissolved in, for example, alcohol and heated to incipient boiling. A condensation reaction is initiated by the addition of a small amount of an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The solution is heated at reflux to form a purple-black slurry which on purification results in an excellent yield (91%) of purple-colored crystalline 2,5-bis (4-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-diphenylcyclopentadienone, or α,α′-bis(4-methoxy)-tetracyclone, melting at approximately 186-188° C.

Provenance & Evidence