Solventless synthesis of quaterphenyls and terphenyls from chalcones and allylsulfones under Phase Transfer Catalysis conditions

Easily available chalcones and allyl sulfones along with cheap solid NaOH and polyethyleneglycol (PEG) 1000 have been used to directly generate the meta-terphenyl or quaterphenyl motifs under Phase Transfer Catalysis solventless conditions. The new approach provides an economic and environmentally friendly solution to removal of hazardous bases as well as organic solvents.