A novel one-pot method was developed for the synthesis of the title compounds starting from 4-chloro-1-aryl-1-butanones 1, phosphorus trichloride and acetic acid. The end products 2 were obtained in 20-94% yield. The cyclization step under acidic conditions probably occurs as a result of anchimeric assistance of the phosphonic acid group.
Keywords: 4-chloro-1-aryl-1-butanones; cyclization; furan; heterocycle; phosphonic acids.