This review describes synthetic procedures for the preparation of selected groups of the most important exocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones. Some of these α,β-enones, viz. aurones and 3- benzylidene-4-chromanones belong to the natural products. The others are synthetic substances which are convenient and especially important intermediates for the stereoselective synthesis of polycyclic ring systems. To illustrate the utility of any special procedures, relevant examples have been included. However, it is not the aim of the present review article to list and evaluate all the papers published in this field. Owing to the huge number of papers, such a goal would be an almost unrealizable task.