Facile synthesis of substituted diaryl sulfones via a [3 + 3] benzannulation strategy

A base-mediated [3 + 3] benzannulation strategy for the conversion of 1,3-bis(sulfonyl)propenes and β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters to diaryl sulfones has been developed. This method provides facile, metal-free and efficient access to highly substituted diaryl sulfones in good to excellent yields. In addition, the sulfonyl group could be easily removed or converted to other functional groups via an organostannane intermediate.