Short and stereoselective synthesis of polysubstituted cyclohexanones

Two equivalents of dimethyl 1,3-acetonedicarboxylate reacted with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes to form novel polysubstituted cyclohexanones in an efficient one-step procedure. The reactions proceeded at room temperature in the presence of catalytic amount of sodium methoxide, affording the products in high yields in a remarkably stereoselective manner. The products are of possible biological interest.