Benzyne and 1-naphthyne (generated from the corresponding halogeno derivatives and the Complex Base NaNH2-ButONa) condense with α,β-unsaturated ketone enolates β-substituted by an aromatic ring and only enolisable in the α'-position, to lead to α-tetralones and/or indanones. The reaction path depends upon the nature of the ketone enolate and, less strongly, on the solvent. The reaction mechanism is