Efficient and practical catalytic vinylogous aldol reaction of dioxinone-derived silyl dienol ethers with aromatic aldehydes

Vinylogous Mukaiyama-aldol reaction was realized by use of dioxinone-derived silyl dienol ethers and various aldehydes in the presence of highly catalytic amounts of bismuth triflate. The reaction proceeds rapidly and affords the corresponding β-hydroxy-1,3-dioxin-4-ones in very good to excellent yields (up to 98%).