A simple method for the preparation of functionalized trisubstituted alkenes and α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by using natural amino acid l-tryptophan

Primary natural amino acid l-tryptophan was used, for the first time, as a catalyst in Knoevenagel condensations of aliphatic, aromatic, hetero-aromatic and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with less reactive acetylacetone and ethyl acetoacetate. The reactions were carried out at room temperature and gave good yields. It is a convenient entry for preparation of functionalized trisubstituted alkenes and α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.