Synthesis of Diarylheptanoids Using Acetone and Alcohols via a Catalytic Borrowing Alkylation Strategy.

A Ru-catalyzed sequential borrowing hydrogen strategy for the synthesis of diarylheptanoid frameworks is reported. The cross-coupling of alcohols with acetone provides alkylated ketones in high yields, followed by selective α-alkylation with diverse alcohols to afford unsymmetrical diarylheptanoid precursors. This approach features a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance and is demonstrated through the concise synthesis of several natural diarylheptanoids, including Acerogenin C, Acerogenin G, Engelhardione, Muricarpone, Yakuchinone, and Pterocarine derivatives.