Anti-selective and regioselective aldol addition of ketones with aldehydes using MgI2 as promoter

The first example of a direct aldehyde–ketone coupling using the secondary amine piperidine as base in the presence of MgI2 to generate high selectivity of anti-aldol products from unmodified ethyl ketones in high yield is reported. The coupling reactions were carried out in a one-pot reaction by mixing four reaction components at room temperature. In the case of unsymmetrical ketones, addition was made to the less hindered α-side.