Facile separation catalyst system: direct diastereoselective synthesis of (E)-α,β-unsaturated ketones catalyzed by an air-stable Lewis acidic/basic bifunctional organobismuth complex in ionic liquidsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details and characterization spectras. CCDC reference number 755139. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c004940a

The catalyst system that comprises an air-stable bifunctional Lewis acidic/basic organobismuth complex and [Bmim]BF4is highly efficient in the cross-condensation of aldehydes with ketones. Through switching the reaction from homogeneous to heterogeneous, the system shows facile separation ability and facile reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]