Versatile One‐Step One‐Pot Direct Aldol Condensation Promoted by MgI2

A true one‐step one‐pot aldol‐reaction procedure has been developed for the synthesis of β‐hydroxy ketones and esters. The reaction can be run at room temperature by simply mixing four components in CH₂Cl₂, with medium‐to‐high yields of aldol products obtained after regular workup. Mechanistically, the process probably proceeds via Mg‐enolate formation of the ketone or ester component, followed by addition to the electrophilic aldehyde.