Olefin-insertion reaction between the carbonyls of benzils; formation of 1,4-diketones by Michael Additon catalyzed by Cyanide Ion

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/cl.1997.697

Benzils (1) react with Michael addition acceptors (2) in the presence of cyanide ion as a catalyst to give 1,4-diketones (3), which are products of ethy lene group insertion between the carhonyls of the benzils. The 1,4-diketones (3) are produced through