An efficient one-pot synthesis of indenes from simple starting materials is presented. This process involves a dual C–C bond formation through an intermolecular Heck coupling reaction followed by acid-mediated intramolecular cyclodehydration. The strategy is amenable to various substituted aromatics to give indenes. In addition, the regioselective synthesis of benzyl styrenes in a single column purification technique through in-situ reduction of Heck products (ketones) followed by acid mediated dehydration of crude reaction mixture is presented. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim