Preparation of a microsized cerium chloride-based catalyst and its application in the Michael addition of β-diketones to vinyl ketones

Abstract

A facile method, which does not require special equipment, was developed for the preparation of microsized cerium chloride by the thermal treatment of CeCl₃·7H₂O or the evaporation of its alcoholic solutions. The way of the preparation of the cerium chloride-based catalyst plays a decisive role in its catalytic activity. This catalyst is efficient in the Michael addition of β-diketones to vinyl ketones giving β,δ-triketones.