This invention relates to a method of preparing a compound of formula (I): ##STR1##

The method includes reacting one or more compounds of formula (II): ##STR2##

in the presence of a base and a halogenating agent. In formulas (I) and (II) above, each A, independently, is aryl or heteroaryl; each n, independently, is 0-3; and each R₁, independently, is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₃-C₂₀ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halo, cyano, nitro, OR_a, NR_aR_b, SiR_aR_bR_c, COOR_a, OC(O)R_a, C(O)NR_aR_b, N(R_a)—C(O)R_b, or SO₃R_a; wherein each of R_a, R_b, and R_c, independently, is H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₃-C₂₀ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl; thereby producing the compound of formula (I) in a one-pot reaction. This invention also relates to the compounds prepared by the method described above.