An Efficient “One Pot” Synthesis of Isoflavones

Initial formation of deoxybenzoin 3 from phenyl acetic acid 1 and phenol 2 in the presence of BF3.Et2O followed by its treatment at room temperature with N, N'-dimethyl (chloromethylene) ammonium chloride, generated by reacting PCl5 with DMF provides a mild and efficient route for a “one pot” synthesis of Isoflavones in high yields.