A simple, inexpensive and stereoselective synthesis of novel functionalized cyclohexanone derivatives via the reaction of acetoacetamide with aromatic aldehydes in ethanol at room temperature is described. Additionally, the presence of substituents such as –NO ₂ and –Cl in the ortho-position of the aldehyde aromatic ring resulted in the formation of novel piperidines. The use of Lewis acids such as iron(III) chloride and bismuth(III) nitrate as catalysts led to autocondensation of acetoacetamide and the formation of 2,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxamide.