L‐Lysine/imidazole‐catalyzed Multicomponent Cascade Reaction: Facile Synthesis of C5‐substituted 3‐Methylcyclohex‐2‐enones

A facile and simple route for the direct preparation of substituted 3‐methylcyclohex‐2‐enone via Aldol‐Robinson cascade reaction of aldehydes and acetones catalyzed by the new catalytic system of L‐lysine/imidazole in n‐heptane with 0.5% water was reported. A variety of substrates can participate in the process efficiently. The merits of this method included inexpensive and easily available starting materials and catalyst, the good yield of products and the straightforward work‐up.