Microwave-accelerated conjugate addition of aldehydes to α,β-unsaturated ketones

Aldehydes undergo smooth conjugate addition to alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones in the presence of 5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3-thiazolium halides and DBU adsorbed onto the surface of basic alumina under microwave irradiation and solvent-free conditions to afford 1,4-diketones in enhanced yields and reduced reaction times compared to conventional methods. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.