The asymmetric intermolecular Stetter reaction is catalyzed by a novel triazolium salt derived N-heterocyclic carbene leading to 1,4-diketones in moderate to excellent yields (49–98%) and moderate to good enantioselectivities (56–78% ee), which could be enhanced by one recrystallization to excellent levels (90–99% ee).

Diaryliodonium(iii) salts, as highly active and versatile Lewis acid catalysts for the direct three component Mannich reaction under solvent free conditions, have been investigated.

New rare earth perfluorooctanoates [RE(PFO)₃] were ­developed and applied to the condensation reactions of indole with carbonyl compounds at ambient temperature. It was found that these catalysts could be completely recovered and reused without loss of catalytic activities.