Stereoselective Synthesis of ( <i>E</i> )‐1,2‐Diarylethene via Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Cross‐Coupling of Phenylacrylic Acids with Aryl Halides: Access to Resveratrol, Pinosylvin, and Pterostilbene

A series of ( E )‐1,2‐diarylethenes were efficiently synthesized via a Pd‐catalyzed decarboxylative cross‐coupling of various phenylacrylic acids with diverse (hetero)aryl halides. This protocol afforded the corresponding trans ‐stilbene derivatives cross‐coupled products in high yields across numerous substrates (48 examples), exhibiting excellent tolerance toward sensitive functional groups, including heterocycles. Notably, a catalytic amount of silver salt was employed as a cocatalyst, replacing the stoichiometric quantities required in previous studies. A sequence of spectroscopic experiments, were performed to investigate and identify the catalytically active species’ oxidation state. The versatility of this methodology was demonstrated through the synthesis of resveratrol , pinosylvin , and pterostilbene, all known for their diverse biological activities. Additionally, the photophysical properties of selected synthesized products were investigated, revealing promising luminescent characteristics.