Rapid Microwave-Assisted Henry Reaction in Solvent-Free Processes

The solvent-free Henry reactions of nitromethane with a series of carbonyl compounds were studied under microwave irradiation. By using different bases and Lewis acids, the solvent-free nitroaldol reaction of aldehydes were realized under microwave condition, affording the corresponding adducts with high yields. Particularly, aliphatic ketones, which were hardly carried out this reaction, could be the reaction substrates in the nitroaldol reactions by employment of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2] octane (DABCO) under a similar conditions, giving the corresponding adducts with moderate to good yields.