Green condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes with active methylene compounds catalyzed by anion-exchange resin under ultrasound irradiation

•Under mild reaction conditions.•Good yields, cleaner reaction profiles and operational simplicity.•An environmentally, heterogeneous, and a green catalyst.•Ultrasound reactions using green catalysts such as anion-exchange resin.

To realize a practical and green chemistry, two important challenges need to be addressed, namely the effective process for the activation of reaction and efficient, eco-friendly and robust chemical methods for the reaction conversion to target products via highly selective catalytic and reactions. Ultrasonic energy promotes the conversion process through its special cavitational effects. Combined with anion-exchange resin as a heterogeneous, reusable and efficient catalyst, Ultrasonic energy enhances the Knoevenagel condensation and leads to reduced reaction time at lower reaction temperature with less amounts of solvent and catalyst.