Scheme 5. Synthesis of substituted diarylpyrroles 11b–g. Reagents and conditions: (a) pyridine, R¹COCl, DCM, 0 °C; (b) EtOH, toluene, reflux; (c) CH₂I₂, Et₂Zn, R²CHO DCM 0 °C; (d) PCC, DCM, R.T.; (e) TFA, TFE, MW, 150 °C or PTSA, toluene, Dean–Stark; (f) DIBAL-H, DCM, –78 °C; (g) TPAP, NMO, 4 Å MS, DCM, rt; (h) thiobarbituric acid, AcOH, 120 °C-rt.