A novel one-pot synthesis of 2-benzoylpyrroles from benzaldehydes

We herein report a novel one-pot reaction for benzoylation of pyrrole. The key step in the reaction is generation of di(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)zirconium(IV) chloride complex which reacts with benzaldehydes and methyl benzoates to give 2-benzoylpyrroles as the major product.