Bi-functional modified-phosphate catalyzed the synthesis of α-α′-(EE)-bis(benzylidene)-cycloalkanones: Microwave versus conventional-heating

Abstract

The impregnation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) by NaNO3 leads to a modified-hydroxyapatite which has a bi-functional acid-base property. Sodium-modified-hydroxyapatite (Na-HAP) efficiently catalyzed the cross-aldol condensation of arylaldehydes and cycloketones to afford α-α′- (EE)-bis(benzylidene)-cycloalkanones in good yields under microwave irradiation. Moreover, the methodology described in this paper provides a very easy and efficient synthesis carried out in water as the greenest available solvent under conventional heating. A comparison study between these two different modes of heating was investigated. The catalyst was easily recovered and efficiently re-used. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.