Solvent-free NbCl5 catalyzed condensation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and aldehydes: a facile synthesis of trisubstituted alkenes

A simple preparation of trisubstituted alkenes by condensation of beta-diketones or beta-ketoesters with aldehydes in presence of NbCl5 as a Lewis acid catalyst in solvent-free conditions is described. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.