Title:Recent Advances in the Nano-Catalytic Knoevenagel Condensation
VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 7
Author(s):Nader Ghaffari Khaligh* and Mohd Rafie Johan
Affiliation:Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Center, Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Center, Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur
Keywords:Active hydrogen compound, carbonyl group, Knoevenagel condensation, nano-catalysts, α, β-unsaturated compound,
magnetic nanoparticles.
Abstract:α,β-Unsaturated acids are well-known and useful reagents, and they have been applied in
different fields due to their fascinating properties. The catalytic Knoevenagel condensation reaction
is one of the most remarkable methods for the formation of C=C bonds. The multi-substituted alkenes
can be obtained from the reaction of carbonyl and active methylene compounds in the presence
of base catalysts, Brönsted catalysts, Lewis acid catalysts, or ionic liquids. In terms of providing both
desirable structural diversity and compound libraries, Doebner-Knoevenagel condensation is the
most efficient strategy. There is a high demand for an efficient, rapid, environment-friendly, and sustainable
catalytic protocol under milder conditions for the stereoselective synthesis of Knoevenagel
products, which can tolerate a wide variety of functions. Carrying out the transformations through
alternative reagents, catalysts, or methods provides a valuable and broad space for selectivity. Herein,
the recent advances in the synthesis of structurally diversified Knoevenagel products using nanocatalysts
are reviewed.