@article{3068194,
    title = "A new protocol for a regioselective aldol condensation as an alternative convenient synthesis of β-ketols and α,β-unsaturated ketones",
    author = "Kourouli, T. and Kefalas, P. and Ragoussis, N. and Ragoussis, V.",
    journal = "The Journal of Organic Chemistry",
    year = "2002",
    volume = "67",
    number = "13",
    pages = "4615-4618",
    doi = "10.1021/jo0200872",
    keywords = "Acidification, Aldehydes;  Condensation;  pH effects;  Potassium compounds;  Salts;  Saponification;  Synthesis (chemical), Ketones, alkene;  carboxylic acid derivative;  ketol;  ketone derivative;  oxoacid;  potassium hydroxide;  potassium salt, acidification;  article;  chemical reaction;  decarboxylation;  molecular interaction;  pH;  polymerization;  reaction analysis;  synthesis",
    abstract = "A general and convenient synthesis of β-ketols and α,β-alkenones has been achieved by a Knoevenagel condensation of a β-ketoacid with an aldehyde in aqueous medium. Saponification of a β-ketoester by an aqueous KOH 10% solution gives the potassium salt of the β-ketoacid, which is condensed in situ with an aldehyde at pH 7.8-8.0, at 60 °C for 5-6 h. The intermediate β-ketocarboxylate is smoothly decarboxylated in the reaction medium, giving the β-ketol in high yield (75-90%). Acidification of the reaction mixture at pH 1 and heating at 70 °C under vigorous stirring for 6 h, leads directly to the corresponding α,β-unsaturated ketone in good yield (65-75%)."
}