A series of α,α'-bis(arylmethylidene)cycloalkanones were synthesized by cross aldol condensation of aromatic aldehydes with cyclopentanone or cyclohexanone using sodium carbonate as catalyst in aqueous media under microwave irradiation and phase transfer catalysis. The reactions were completed in 0.5～7 min with 80%～99% yields, environmental benign and easy work-up.

Key words: aromatic aldehyde, green synthesis, microwave irradiation, phase transfer catalysis, α,α'-bis(arylmethylidene)cycloalkanone