L-proline-catalyzed one-pot three-component reaction for the synthesis of β-alkoxy ketones

beta-Alkoxy ketones were prepared by a one-pot three-component reaction of aliphatic aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols catalyzed by L-proline. Steric effects on the reaction were studied with substituted ketones, aldehydes, and alcohols, and the results indicate that reactions employing methyl ketones, alpha-unsubstituted aliphatic aldehydes and methanol produce the beta-alkoxy ketones in the best yields when L-proline is used as the catalyst. The reaction mechanism is discussed.