High-Yield Synthesis of 1,3-Dimesityl-propane-1,3-dione: Isolation of Its Aluminum Complex as a Stable Intermediate.

1,3-Dimesityl-propane-1,3-dione was synthesized in high yield, via a stable intermediate (its aluminum complex) from malonyl dichloride and mesitylene by Friedel-Crafts reaction using anhydrous aluminum chloride as catalyst. The intermediate aluminum complex was isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, which decomposed upon reflux in concentrate hydrochloric acid to give the title compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]