Synthesis of spirobiindanes via bis-cyclization reaction of the 1,5-diaryl-3-pentanones catalyzed by heteropoly acids

Bis-cyclization reaction of the 1,5-diaryl-3-pentanones catalyzed by heteropoly acids (HPAs) was examined for the first time, and a series of spirobiindanes were synthesized. 1,5-Diaryl-3-pentanones were refluxed and dehydrated in toluene in the presence of 0.15 equiv of a heteropoly acid to furnish spirobiindanes in moderate to high yield. For the known 4,4′-dibromo-7,7′-dimethoxy-1,1′-spirobiindane, the yield was upgraded from 66% to 80%.