A Convenient Synthesis of α,α’-Bis(substituted benzylidene)cycloalkanones Catalyzed by Y(TFA)₃

Abstract

Aromatic aldehydes undergo crossed aldol condensation with cyclic ketones in the presence of Y(TFA)₃ under solvent-free conditions to afford the corresponding α,α’-bis(substituted benzylidene)cycloalkanones in satisfactory yields. Furthermore, the catalyst can be recovered conveniently and reused several times in the reaction with comparable yields.

Keywords:

• α,α’-bis(substituted benzylidene)cycloalkanones
• cross-aldol condensation
• solvent-free conditions
• yttrium(III) trifluoroacetate