An economical, simple, and efficient direct aldol reaction via the double activation of both aldehydes and ketones by ammonia has been developed. An unprecedented tandem Mannich reaction was observed when hydroxybenzaldehydes, pyrrole-2-carboxyaldehyde, and indole-3-carboxyaldehyde were employed to afford 2, 2-dimethyl-6-aryl-4-pyrilidinones in moderate to good yields.
