An efficient and convenient one-pot synthesis of indene derivatives was achieved in moderate to high yields by the CF3SO3H promoted coupling/cyclization reaction of benzylic alcohols and 1, 3-dicarbonyls for the first time. For the reactions of methoxy-or methyl- substituted diarylmethanols with 1, 3-dicarbonyls, 2equiv of CF3SO3H was needed to reach the best results; but for the reactions of methoxy-substituted arylethanols with 1, 3- ...