Straightforward synthesis of nitroolefins by microwave- or ultrasound-assisted Henry reaction

Abstract

β-Nitroalcohol or nitroethylene derivatives can be obtained from aryl aldehydes and nitromethane under Henry condensation conditions. We present a new modification using microwave irradiation or ultrasound as the energy source. Microwave irradiation allowed a novel one-pot synthesis of nitroolefins from aryl aldehydes using ammonium acetate as a catalyst without solvent. Different reaction conditions, such as base, solvent, and reaction time were studied. Only small amounts of β-hydroxyl nitro compounds were isolated, using microwave irradiation for less than 25 min. In contrast, the use of ultrasound increased the yield of the nitroalcohols.