Synthesis 2006(19): 3238-3242  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-950184
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

l-Proline-Catalyzed One-Pot Three-Component Reaction for the Synthesis of β-Alkoxy Ketones

Rajasekhar Dodda, Cong-Gui Zhao*
Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, Texas 78249-0698, USA
Fax: +1(210)5587428; e-Mail: cong.zhao@utsa.edu;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 5 May 2006
Publication Date:
15 August 2006 (online)

Abstract

β-Alkoxy ketones were prepared by a one-pot three-component reaction of aliphatic aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols catalyzed by l-proline. Steric effects on the reaction were studied with substituted ketones, aldehydes, and alcohols, and the results indicate that reactions employing methyl ketones, α-unsubstituted aliphatic aldehydes and methanol produce the β-alkoxy ketones in the best yields when l-proline is used as the catalyst. The reaction mechanism is discussed.