ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of a Microsized Cerium Chloride-Based Catalyst and Its Application in the Michael Addition of β-Diketones to Vinyl Ketones

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.