A novel one-pot synthesis of six di-, tri-, and tetra-substituted acenaphthenes 18a-f via
direct and/or rearranged Friedel-Crafts cyclialkylations of seven novel carbinols 1a-g
is described. The methodology involves treatment of alkanols 1a-g in the presence of
both Brønsted (PPA, H2SO4) and Lewis (AlCl3/CH3NO2) acid catalysts. The method
offers several advantages such as high yields, high selectivities, and easily accessible
starting materials. A plausible mechanism for this type of Friedel-Crafts cyclialkylation
is proposed.