The Baylis-Hillman condensation of alpha,beta-conjugate cycloketones with aldehydes using diethylaluminum iodide alone as the promoter.

The Baylis-Hillman condensation of three types of alpha,beta-conjugate cycloketones with aldehydes was successfully performed by using diethylaluminum iodide as the Lewis acid promoter alone without the direct use of a Lewis base. The reaction proceeded to completion at 0 degree C in CH2Cl2 within 24 h to give modest to good yields (53-72%).