An improved catalyst-free, three-component reaction of ammonium acetate, 1,3-dicarbonyl
compounds, and aromatic α-hydroxycarbonyl compounds has been carried out in water–ethanol
(50:50) under reflux conditions. The improvement of yield in this aqueous medium is
attributed to a combination of increased association of the reactants by hydrophobic
interactions and precipitation of the product during the reaction. This operationally
simple procedure is less laborious and provides a better scope and chemoselectivity
than previously reported procedures.
Key words
catalyst-free - multicomponent reaction - aqueous medium - pyrrole derivatives - α-hydroxycarbonyl
compounds