Yb(OTf)(3)-TMSCl, a novel catalytic system in cross-aldol reactions

A combination of Yb(OTf)(3) and TMSCl influenced the outcome of cross-aldol reactions of cycloalkanones and benzaldehyde. Interestingly, reaction of cycloheptanone and cyclooctanone with aldehydes under the Yb( OTf) 3 TMSCl reagent system provides 3-(2-oxocycloalkyl)-3-phenylpropanals in conjunction with the corresponding aldol products.