The CeCl3.7H2O-NaI system as promoter in the synthesis of functionalized trisubstituted alkenes via Knoevenagel condensation

The arylidene malonates with two different geminal carboxylate functions, a suitable class of substrates of several synthetic and pharmacological studies, are easily available through Knoevenagel condensation of ethyl tert -butyl malonate and different aromatic aldehydes. The results have increased the potentialities of CeCl 3 ·7H 2 O–NaI system as a type of water-tolerant green Lewis acid promoter for carbon–carbon bond forming procedures.