Direct Aldol Reaction of TrifluoromethylKetones with Ketones Catalyzed by Et2Zn and SecondaryAmines

The direct catalytic aldol reaction of trifluoromethyl -ketoneswith ketones has been accomplished. The reaction was achieved inthe presence of 10 mol% Et 2 Zn and N, N′-dimethylethylenediamineat ambient temperature to give the expected aldol-type productsin high yields (up to 99%).