α-Arylation of β-diketones with aryl halides catalyzed by CuO/aluminosilicate

α-Arylation of β-diketones has been carried out over CuO/aluminosilicate catalyst under ligand-free condition. The reaction conditions were optimized with different solvents, bases, catalyst amounts, and temperatures using acetylacetone and 4-bromobenzaldehyde as a model system. The scope of the catalytic system was extended to include various substituted aryl halides. 27 examples were successfully demonstrated and the yields were ranging from 55% to 94%. C–Br bond was regioselectively activated in the presence of C–Cl bond. Similarly acetylacetone was chemoselectively arylated by 4-bromobenzaldehyde in the presence of dibenzoylacetone. Heterogeneous nature of the catalyst was confirmed by hot-filtration test. The catalyst was also found to be reusable.