Microwave Enhanced Knoevenagel Condensation of Ethyl Cyanoacetate with Aldehydes

Abstract

Abstract The reaction rate of Knoevenagel condensation can be dramatically enhanced by irradiating the reaction mixture containing ethyl cyanoacetate, an aldehyde, P2O5, piperidine, and chlorobenzene with a commercial microwave oven. A number of Knoevenagel condensation products were prepared in good yields in very short reaction times (2-15min) under the microwave irradiation.