Synthesis of 2,2′-arylmethylene bis (3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one) in aqueous medium at room temperature

The reaction of dimedone with various aromatic aldehydes produces 2,2′-arylmethylene bis (3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one) in excellent yields. The reactions occur in water as solvent at room temperature and avoiding the addition of any catalyst. The workup procedure is very simple and the products do not required further purification.