A green and simple method to synthesize of 1,4-diketones via aldol reaction of arylglyoxals and ketones such as 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propanone, deoxybenzoin and substituted acetophenones in the presence of a catalytic amount of DABCO in water at room temperature has been reported. Corresponding 2-hydroxy-1,4-diones were obtained in moderate to high yields with simple separation of obtained solid from reaction mixture and recrystallization.