T. Arime et al., SML2 OR SML3 MEDIATED ALDOL-TYPE REACTION OF ALPHA-HALO KETONES WITH ALIPHATIC ALPHA-DIKETONES - FACILE SYNTHESIS OF 2-HYDROXY-1,4-DIKETONES, Synthetic communications, 25(3), 1995, pp. 389-393
The title reaction proceeds in the presence of SmI2 or SmI3 in tetrahy
drofuran at room temperature, probably via intermediary formation of s
amarium enolates from alpha-halo ketones, to give 2-hydroxy-1,4-diketo
nes in good yields.