1-Methylimidazole 3-N-oxide as a new promoter for the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction

The Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction of aldehydes with α,β-unsaturated ketones can be affected by the Lewis bases. We have found that 1-methylimidazole 3-N-oxide promoted the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction of various activated aldehyde compounds in non-solvent system. This is a mild reaction condition and requires no special equipment to give the Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts.