Fast, Facile and Convenient Synthesis of α,α-Bis(substituted-arylidene) Cycloalkanones: An improved Protocol

Abstract

Commercially available potassium hydroxide (KOH), a simple base, was found to be a catalyst for tandem cross-aldol condensation between cyclic ketones and aromatic aldehydes leading to a fast and easy synthesis of α,α-bis (substituted-arylidene) cycloalkanones in the shortest times of all previous methods. The reaction of aryl aldehydes with five and six-membered cyclic ketones afforded excellent yields after few seconds in most cases. The reaction conditions were compatible with various electron withdrawing and electron donating substituents, e.g. Cl, F, NO₂, OMe, Me and NMe₂.