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 w ith N, N'-dimethyl (chloromethylene) ammonium chloride, generated by reacti ng PCI, with DMF provides a mild and efficient route for a "one pot" synthe sis of Isoflavones in high yields.