The selective cross McMurry couplings of diaryl or aryl ketones with various substituted ketones were achieved in 53-94% isolated yields. It is believed that the strong affinity of the substituents to the low-valent titanium surface plays an important role in regards to moderating selectivity. Through the introduction of such substituents followed by their removal post McMurry coupling, structurally similar ketones can be effectively cross-coupled.

The one-pot, cross McMurry coupling between two different diaryl ketones gave structurally varied tetraarylethenes in 59-80% isolated yields. This synthetic protocol is more convenient and effective compared to previously reported procedures