A facile synthesis of α,α′-bis(substituted-benzylidene)-cycloalkanones and substituted-benzylidene heteroaromatics: utility of NaOAc as a catalyst for aldol-type reaction

Utility of NaOAc in glacial HOAc as a catalyst for aldol-type condensation reactions was examined. Reactions of cycloalkanones and selected heteroaromatics with various aldehydes in the presence of NaOAc in glacial HOAc provided α,α′-bis(substituted-benzylidene)cycloalkanones and substituted-benzylidene heteroaromatics, respectively, in good yields.

Graphical abstractThe catalytic ability of NaOAc in glacial HOAc for aldol-type condensation reactions was examined. Reactions of cycloalkanones and selected heteroaromatics with various aromatic aldehydes in the presence of NaOAc in acetic acid afforded α,α′-bis(substituted-benzylidene)cycloalkanones and substituted-benzylidene heteroaromatics, respectively, in good yields.