A new synthesis of enaminoketones is described. E,Z beta-chloroacroleine de
rivatives react with secondary amines to produce enaminoketones. Generally
only one stereoisomer is formed; its configuration was established. The rea
ction was essentially studied with trifluoromethyl compounds. At room tempe
rature, the E,Z equilibrium is very fast for the enaminoketone 9d.