Uncatalysed Knoevenagel condensation in aqueous medium at room temperature

Knoevenagel condensation of various aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes with active methylene compounds like malononitrile, ethyl cyanoacetamide, ethyl cyanoacetate, barbituric acids, Meldrum’s acid, dimedone and pyrazolone proceeds smoothly with stirring in an aqueous medium. The reactions occur at room temperature giving excellent yields of the products. The work-up procedure is very simple and the products do not require further purification.