Synthesis of linked 1,3,5-triaroylbenzenes via enamine-directed alkyne cyclotrimerization

Triaroylbenzenes connected via m-xylyl, p-xylyl, 4,4′-biphenyl, and 1,3,5-benzenetriyl linking units have been prepared in good yield by condensation of bis(enaminones) with aryl ethynyl ketones. The required bis(enaminones) were conveniently prepared starting from the corresponding bis- or tris(halomethyl) linking units and 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde.