Iodine catalyzed synthesis of α,α'‐bis(substituted benzylidene)‐1‐carbethoxy‐4‐piperidone

A facile and efficient method for the preparation of α,α′‐bis(substituted benzylidene)‐1‐carbethoxy‐4‐piperidone is described using iodine as a catalyst in acetonitrile. The reaction proceeds rapidly at room temperature, giving high yields of products.