One‐Pot Access to Sulfonyl 2,3‐Diarylnaphthalenes via tBuOK‐Mediated Benzannulation of o‐Bis‐sulfonylmethyl Arenes with Diarylacetylenes.

One‐pot access to sulfonyl 2,3‐diarylnaphthalenes was developed via tBuOK‐mediated (4+2) benzannulation of o‐bis‐sulfonylmethyl arenes, employing diverse diarylacetylenes. A plausible mechanism is proposed and discussed. The advantages of the system include the use of inexpensive reagents, wide substrate scope, and mild reaction conditions. The synthetic route allows for the formation of two carbon–carbon double bonds (C=C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]