Ultrasound-promoted access to Baylis-Hillman amines

Metal catalyst-free N-allylation/alkylation of imidazole and benzimidazole with Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) alcohols and acetates

A highly α-regioselective N-nucleophilic allylic substitution of cyclic MBH alcohols and acetates with imidazole or benzimidazole, in toluene at reflux with an azeotropic distillation, was successfully carried out with no catalysts or additives, affording the corresponding N-substituted imidazole derivatives in good yields. On the other hand, in refluxing toluene or methanol, the aza-Michael addition of imidazole onto acyclic MBH alcohols was performed using DABCO as an additive, leading to the corresponding 1,4-adducts in 70-84% yields.

An Efficient and Recyclable DMAP-Based Ionic Liquid/Water System for Morita–Baylis–Hillman Reactions

The efficient and recyclable system, DMAP-based ionic liquid/water, has been developed and used in the Morita– Baylis–Hillman reaction of aromatic aldehydes with acrylates. The coupling reactions under the described basic reaction conditions proceed quickly with good to excellent yields. The ionic liquid could be reused at least five times without significant loss of activity.

Ultrasound Assisted Ring-Opening Reaction of Epoxides with 1,2-DiphenylDiselenide

Ultrasound assisted ring-opening of epoxides with 1,2-diphenyldiselenide in PEG-400/H2O in the presence of sodium dithionite has been developed, affording β-hydroxy selenides with high regioselectivity in good to excellent yields. Importantly, the present protocol is very practical and highly efficient since it does not require the use of expensive and unpleasant smelly reagent.