A fast and efficient methodology utilizing microwave irradiation for the promotion of a Knoevenagel condensation reaction is expanded upon, yielding further chalcone products. The reaction has been optimized for a variety of substituted groups on the a-carbon yielding a-cyano, nitro, and fluoro chalcones. Additionally, when these synthetic conditions are applied to a-chloro and bromo chalcones, an unexpected oxide product is generated, where an epoxide forms between the chalcones' a and � carbons. This reactive functional group is being further diversified in an aim to produce an array of molecules. Crystal structures of the majority of these compounds have been elucidated, showing varied planarity in the fully conjugated molecules.

Synthesis and diversification of a-substituted chalcones

247th National Meeting (2014)

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