An access to α, β-unsaturated ketones via dual cooperative catalysis

Abstract A dual cooperative organocatalytic approach for the synthesis of α , β -unsaturated ketones is described. This one pot transformation is realized via a domino Knoevenagel-Michael-retro Michael reaction sequence. Various aliphatic ketones reacted smoothly with aromatic as well as aliphatic aldehydes in presence catalytic amount of Meldrum’s acid and bifunctional amine. The highlights of this protocol are the easy availability of catalysts, high selectivity, and functional group tolerance. The reaction proved to highly E -selective with no side products emanating from self-condensation, unlike the base-mediated reactions.