Synthesis of chalcones and flavanones using Julia-Kocienski olefination

A new application of Julia-Kocienski olefination for the synthesis of chalcones and flavanones has been described. 2-(Benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylsulfonyl)-1-phenylethanones have been developed as new reagents for direct Julia-Kocienski olefination with aldehydes in the presence of a base, afforded chalcones in good to excellent yields. Whereas, 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylsulfonyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone reacted with the aromatic aldehydes to furnish flavanones in good yields via one-pot intra-molecular cyclization. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.