Zinc Mediated Ring Size Tuned C=C Reduction and C—C Coupling of α,α′-(E,E)-Bis(benzylidene)cycloalkanones.

Zinc amalgam mediated reduction of the title bis(benzylidene)cycloalkanes (I) and (V) affords exocyclic olefinic bond reduced compounds and corresponding β,β-coupled dimers with intact carbonyl function.