Et3N/H2O: A green and inexpensive organocatalytic medium for efficient Baylis-Hillman reaction

A new organocatalyzed method is developed for Baylis–Hillman reactions of cyclohex2enone with various aromatic aldehydes in the presence of water and catalytic quantities of triethylamine. All reactions take place at room temperature and relatively good yields of various products are obtained within a time frame which does not exceed 24 hours. The mild reaction conditions used in the present method and the versatility of the process are the main advantages of this procedure. As a result, products of the Baylis–Hillman reaction of cyclohex2enone with various aromatic aldehydes bearing electron withdrawing and electron releasing groups are obtained under inexpensive organocatalytic conditions.