Abstract: .beta.-hydroxyketones are prepared by reacting an aldehyde with acetone in the presence of perhydroisoindole or pyrrolidine and water. The resulting .beta.-hydroxyketone is further reacted in the presence of a solvent mixture to produce .alpha.-.beta.-unsaturated ketones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated ketones represented by general formula (II) ##STR1## (where R is a heterocyclic group with nitrogen atom in the ring or a phenyl group with electron donative substituents) which comprises reacting aldehydes represented by general formula (I)RCHO (I)(where R is a s defined above) with acetone, in the presence as a catalyst of one or tow or more compounds selected from the group consisting of perhydroisoindole and pyrrolidine which may have substituents, in a water solvent, at 20.degree. C. to 40.degree. C., and then reacting at the reflux temperature.The compound (II) is extremely important as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.