Stetter Reaction
In 1973, Hermann Stetter reported the conjugate addition of aldehydes to α, β-unsaturated compounds, which yield 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of cyanide anion or thiazolium salt as a catalyst. Since then 1,4 addition of aldehydes to Michael acceptors in the
presence of cyanide anion or thiazolium or triazolium salt catalyst has been known as Stetter reaction.
Stetter reaction competes with the corresponding 1,2-addition, which is the Benzoin Condensation. However, the Benzoin Condensation is reversible, and since the Stetter Reaction leads to more stable products, the main product will be derived from 1,4-addition.
Stetter reaction competes with the corresponding 1,2-addition, which is the Benzoin Condensation. However, the Benzoin Condensation is reversible, and since the Stetter Reaction leads to more stable products, the main product will be derived from 1,4-addition.