An efficient method for direct aldol reactions catalyzed by pyrrolidine/catechol: The influence of cooperation of Brønsted acidity and hydrogen-bond on the reaction

The aldol reactions of aromatic aldehydes with ketones catalyzed by pyrrolidine were accelerated by addition of a series of Brønsted acids to the reaction medium and found that the catechol was the most effective co-catalyst. The combination of pyrrolidine and catechol are very efficient for catalyzing the reaction to proceeding under mild conditions with high yield in short time.

Graphical abstractThe combination of pyrrolidine and catechol are very efficient for catalyzing the direct aldol reaction to proceeding under mild conditions with high yield in short time. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide