Nenitzescu Synthesis

Abstract

The formation of an α,β‐unsaturated ketone directly by aluminum chloride‐promoted acylation of alkenes with acyl halides is generally referred to as the Nenitzescu synthesis. The study finds the formation of the saturated ketones is probably caused by the intermolecular hydrogen transfer from the solvent. It has been observed that under various reaction conditions, the Nenitzescu synthesis is often complicated with the formation of β‐halo ketones, β,γ‐enones, or β‐acyloxy ketones and this complication can be overcome by an aluminum chloride‐promoted acylation with vinyl mercuric chloride. This reaction is useful in the preparation of α,β‐unsaturated ketones.