A superacid promoted one-pot process for the efficient synthesis of indanones is presented. This process enabled the formation of a dual C-C bond between aryl isopropyl ketones and benzaldehydes. Interestingly, when the reaction was performed between acetophenones and benzaldehydes, it was impeded just after the aldol condensation and resulted in the corresponding chalcones. This journal is © the Partner Organisations 2014.