In situ formed acetals facilitated direct Michael addition of unactivated ketones†
Abstract
TfOH-promoted synthesis of 1,5-diketones by the Michael reaction of unactivated ketones with chalcones has been described. Acetals formed under HC(OMe)3/TfOH conditions generate the required enol-equivalents for a smooth Michael reaction. A wide array of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,5-diketones has been synthesised.