Microwave-assisted, boron trichloride mediated acylation of phenols-synthesis of (o-hydroxyaryl)(aryl)methanones and xanthones.

A novel and efficient microwave-assisted, BCl(3) mediated coupling reaction to synthesize o-(hydroxyaryl)(aryl)methanone structures from phenols and acyl chlorides is described. This reaction was further incorporated into a two-step synthesis of biologically interesting xanthones.