Persulfate-promoted synthesis of biphenyl compounds in water from biomass-derived triacetic acid lactone.

A metal-free, persulfate-promoted route in water to access substituted biphenyl compounds is described. In our approach, the biomass-derived triacetic acid lactone (TAL) and phenylacetylenes are employed to generate targeted products in high yields and regioselectivity. The present method contributes to the green synthesis initiative to harness renewable biomass-derived compounds in environmentally friendly methodologies.