Process for the preparation of phenyl ketones

A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (II)

• wherein
• X1 is selected from F, CH2F, CHF2, and CF3,
• X2 is H, F, Cl, or NO2,
• X3 is selected from H, F, CH3, CH2F, CHF2, and CF3, and
• R1 is selected from linear or branched C1-12 alkyl, linear or branched C1-12 fluoroalkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, linear or branched C2-12 hydroxyalkyl, linear or branched C1-12 carboxyalkly, phenyl and optionally substituted carboxy phenyl;
• the process comprising
• (i) reacting a compound of formula (III)
• wherein X4 is Br or Cl
• with
• a compound of formula (IV) R2—Mg-Hal (IV) or Mg, and
• a compound of formula (V)R1a—C(═O)OC(═O)—R1a (V), a cyclic anhydride or a lactone,
• wherein
• R1a is selected from linear or branched C1-12 alkyl, linear or branched C1-12 fluoroalkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, and phenyl,
• Hal is halogen, and
• R2 is selected from a linear or branched C1-6 alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, and phenyl wherein in reaction step (i) no catalyst is present.