2‐Substituted (Azulen‐1‐yl)ethenes

Abstract

Abstract An easy and efficient solvent‐free synthesis of 1‐(azulen‐1‐yl)‐2‐aryl‐ and heteroarylethenes is described. The reaction was performed simply by melting solid mixtures of azulenic Schiff bases and arylacetic acids, the crude products being purified by column chromatography. Limitations of the method were established by study of a large range of aryl and heteroarylacetic acids and also by examination of various azulenic Schiff bases. The same reaction was observed with other active methylene compounds, such as malonic acid and its derivatives or 1,3‐diketones. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)