Lanthanide(III) Promoted Aldol Condensation of Enones and Aldehydes¹

Abstract

The first lanthanide (III) mediated α′-alkylation of MVK with aldehydes is described. This methodology allows the efficient preparation of a number of synthetically important hydroxyenones.

Notes

Dedicated to Professor J. D. Winkler, an inspiring teacher to whom we are very grateful.

(a) Excess MVK enolate and/or lanthanides did not improve the yield.

All new compounds were characterized by full spectroscopic data (¹H, ¹³C NMR, IR, MS, and HRMS). Yields refer to spectroscopically and chromatographically purified (>95%) materials.