Palladium(II)-catalyzed synthesis of functionalized indenones via oxidation and cyclization of 2-(2-arylethynylphenyl)acetonitriles.

A one-pot two-step synthesis of versatile indenones has been developed. This palladium(II)-catalyzed transformation involves generation and condensation of ortho-functionalized 1,2-benzils from 2-(2-arylethynylphenyl)acetonitriles using Ph2SO as the oxidant. The resulting 3-cyanoindenones can be converted to various valuable molecules.