We describe the first Ti-catalyzed Reformatsky-type couplingbetween
![](/images/gifchars/alpha.gif)
-halo ketones and aldehydes. The reaction affords
![](/images/gifchars/beta2.gif)
-hydroxy ketones under mild, neutral conditions compatiblewith ketones and other electrophiles. The catalytic cyclepossibly proceeds via bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium enolates.