Intermolecular aldol type reactions of phenacyl bromides with various carbonyl compounds mediated by samarium(II) diiodide afford beta-hydroxy ketones in moderate to good yields. The addition of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine or diethylaluminium chloride resulted in better yields in some reactions.
Reformatsky-type reaction of α-haloketones promoted by titanium tetraiodide
Titanium(IV) tetraiodide induces a Reformatsky-type reaction of α-iodoketones with carbonyl compounds to give β-hydroxy ketones in good to high yields.