Synergy between microwave irradiation and heterogeneous catalysis in an environmentally friendly self-condensation of hydroxybenzene derivatives

Abstract

Self-condensation of 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene and 3,5-dimethoxyphenol using solid acid catalysts and microwave irradiation produces polyhydroxy-substituted biphenyl derivatives in moderate to good yields. Condensation of 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene with p-benzoquinone gives 2,2'-dihydroxybiphenyl derivatives in good yields. On using classical heating these reactions do not occur or afford only traces of the desired products.