Abstract The reductive dimerization α, β-unsaturated aldehydes to give saturated ketones was achieved using RuHCl (CO)(PPh 3) 3 as a catalyst in the presence of secondary alcohols as hydrogen source. The reaction is likely to proceed via the hydroruthenation of α, β-unsaturated aldehydes followed by aldol reaction of the resultant ruthenium enolates with α, β-unsaturated aldehydes to give unsaturated α-hydroxymethyl ketones, which undergo ...
