Abstract An oxo group is introduced at the allylic position of 3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one and β-ionone on treatment with VO (OR) Cl 2 in ROH. VO (OR) Cl 2 induces γ-alkoxylation in the case of 2-cyclopenten-1-one. Reaction of 1-acetyl-1-cyclohexene with VO (OEt) Cl 2 results in γ-alkoxylation and/or aromatization to give 1-acetyl-3-ethoxy-1-cyclohexene and the corresponding aromatic.