Synthesis 2009(19): 3219-3226  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1216944
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Morita-Baylis-Hillman Reaction on Water without Organic Solvent, Assisted by a ‘Catalytic’ Amount of Amphiphilic Imidazole Derivatives

Keisuke Asano, Seijiro Matsubara*
Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Kyoutodaigaku-katsura, Nishikyo, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
Fax: +81(75)3832459; e-Mail: matsubar@orgrxn.mbox.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 24 April 2009
Publication Date:
21 August 2009 (online)

Abstract

A Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction using water as a solvent without any organic solvent can be performed by using an amphiphilic N-alkylimidazole. This reaction is accelerated by the addition of water and is the first example of a ‘catalytic’ MBH reaction without organic solvent in the presence of water.