Synthesis of 1, 3, 5-Triarylbenzenes, Using CuCl2 as a New Catalyst

Among the aromatic ketones, aceto phenone and its various substituted derivatives have been studied since early 20th century. This ketone can perform the self condensation reaction and produces trimmer having an aromatic ring of 1,3,5-triphenyl benzene (T.P.B) with general formula of C24H18. In this research, the compounds 1,3,5-triphenyl benzene and 1,3,5-tris (2-naphthyl) benzene are synthesized via self condensation of acetophenone and 2-aceto naphthalene respectively, using Cu2+(CuCl2) as a new catalyst. Catalyst of copper(II) chloride is a very suitable catalyst and comparing to the other ones is cheaper, abundant and very facile to use in these condensation reactions for the synthesis of trimmers. Since Cu2+ has empty p and d orbitals, therefore, CuCl2 acts as a good Lewis acid. Further, the catalyst is a good electron transfer oxidative reagent, therefore it is very useful catalyst for self-condensation of ketones. This method seems to be general for the synthesis of other derivatives of 1,3,5-triarylbenzene using various ketone derivatives. These trigonal molecules may be converted to flexible clathrates or nano cage molecules, which are highly promising for the separation and chemical transformation.