Catalyzing the Erlenmeyer Plöchl reaction: organic bases versus sodium acetate

An evaluation of organic base versus sodium acetate as the base in the Erlenmeyer Plöchl reaction was performed. Aldehyde substituents play an important role in these reactions. Organic bases afford fast reactions, but other side reactions were observed. Alternatively, in the presence of solvent, sodium acetate could be used in catalytic amounts rather than the typical stoichiometric quantities. This Letter reports the comparative results for the use of organic bases versus sodium acetate in Erlenmeyer Plöchl reactions.