Studies directed at the synthesis of (Z)-5-benzylidene-4-arylpyrrol-2 (5H)-ones from (Z)-3- aryl-3-haloenoic acids are described. The successful strategy relies on the preparation of (Z)- 3-aryl-3-haloenoic acids from acetophenones through the corresponding (Z)-3-aryl-3- haloenals and the conversion of the (Z)-3-aryl-3-haloenoic acids to (Z)-5-benzylidene-4-aryl- 5H-furan-2-ones. The furanones were subsequently treated with primary amines and ...