Synthesis of 3-methyl-2-cyclohexenones catalyzed by mercury(II) salts and their microwave assisted BiCl3 catalyzed aldol condensations

HgSO4 catalyzed hydrative cyclization of 1,6-heptadiynes is present. This reaction proceeded smoothly under the mild condition for differently 4-sustituted 1,6-diynic substrates giving corresponding 3-methyl-2-cyclohexenones with high to excellent yield. The microwave assisted aldol condensation of cyclohexenones under the catalysis of BiCl3 afforded 3-styryl-cyclohexenones with high regio- and stereo-selectivity.