Hexamethylenetetramine as an Efficient and Reusable Organocatalyst in Henry Reaction Under Mild and Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Henry reaction is a base-catalyzed reaction which can produce ß-nitroalcohol or nitroethylene derivatives from the condensation of aryl aldehydes and nitromethane under different conditions. In the present article, we introduce hexamethylenetetramine as a basic organocatalyst for Henry reaction, which can produce ßnitroalcohol derivatives from the condensation of aryl aldehydes and nitromethane under different conditions. By application of this organic base, ß-nitroalcohol compounds were produced as the only product in good to excellent yields. In addition, reusability of hexamethylenetetramine in this reaction makes our method green.