Efficient Two-Step Synthesis of 11,11′-Dithiobis[1-(2-bromo-2-methylpropionyloxy)undecane], a Conventional Initiator for Grafting Polymer Brushes from Gold Surfaces via ATRP

11,11′-Dithiobis[1-(2-bromo-2-methylpropionyloxy)undecane], a conventional initiator for grafting polymers from gold surfaces, was synthesized in two steps from 11-mercapto-1-undecanol in 88–92% overall yield. Oxidative dimerization of 11-mercapto-1-undecanol with a catalytic amount of sodium iodide and 30% hydrogen peroxide in ethyl acetate proceeded in 96% yield. Esterification with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide in dichloromethane was clean and almost quantitative (92% yield) with pyridine used as base, whereas triethylamine gave a messy reaction (64% yield). Alternatively, esterification with 2-bromo-2-methyl-propanoic acid in dichloromethane occurred readily under Steglich's conditions with N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and a catalytic amount of dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP; 88% yield).     

Cerium(III)-Catalyzed Synthesis of Schiff Bases: A Green Approach

The reaction of primary aromatic amines with aryl aldehydes is found to be catalyzed by cerium chloride heptahydrate under solvent-free conditions to give the corresponding Schiff bases in good yields.     

Green Procedure for the Synthesis of Phthalazino[2,3‐b]phthalazine‐5,7,12,14‐tetraones

Different novel phthalazino[2,3‐b]phthalazine‐5,7,12,14‐tetraones were synthesized in a simple and environmentally benign method from the reaction of phthalic anhydrides with semicarbazide or thiosemicarbazide using montmorillonite K‐10 clay as solid heterogeneous acidic catalyst and microwaves under solvent‐free conditions in good yields and short reaction times. Products were characterized by the elemental analysis, IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry.     

A Practical Knoevenagel Condensation Catalyzed by PEG400 and Anhydrous K2CO3 Without Solvent

Abstract

Knoevenagel condensation of aromatic aldehydes with active methylene compounds under solvent‐free conditions to synthesize arylidene compounds in good to excellent yields using powdered anhydrous K₂CO₃ and PEG400 as catalysts has been described.     

Comment on “A Novel and Simple Solvent‐Free Method for Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution of Inactive Aryl Halides”

Inability to reproduce the results of Ref. 1 is reported.     

Synthesis of Metal‐Free Phthalocyanines in Functionalized Ammonium Ionic Liquids

A convenient, fast, efficient, and ecofriendly synthesis of metal‐free phthalocyanines from various substituted phthalonitriles in different hydroxyalkylammonium ionic liquids in the presence of 1,8‐diazabicyclo‐[5,4,0]‐undec‐7‐ene (DBU) is reported in moderate yields. The effect of concentration of DBU and temperature on the synthesis of phthalocyanine in N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐N,N‐dimethylbutylammonium bromide ionic liquid has been examined, and the ionic liquid has been recovered and reused conveniently.     

Solvent‐Free Claisen Condensation of Isophorone and Verbenone with para‐Hydroxyethylaminobenzaldehydes

A solvent‐free Claisen condensation between isophorone or verbenone on two para‐hydroxyethylaminobenzaldehydes is described. The method provides the condensation products quickly and, in most cases, without chromatography.     

Efficient Green Procedure for the Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives by a One‐Pot,Three‐Component Reaction under Solvent‐Free Conditions

A simple, efficient, and general method has been developed for the synthesis of coumarin derivatives through a one‐pot reaction of aromatic aldehydes, 2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐4,6‐dione and 5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione, in the presence of TEBA under solvent‐free conditions using grinding methods. The mild reaction conditions, simple protocol, high yields, and cleaner reaction make this protocol practical and economically attractive.     

A Solvent‐Free Procedure for Synthesis of N‐Sulfonylimines Using Microwave Irradiation Catalyzed by ZrO2/S2O8 2− Solid Superacid

Abstract

A solvent‐free synthesis of N‐sulfonylimines from aldehydes with sulfonamides is described using ZrO₂/S₂O₈ ^2? as catalyst under microwave irradiation. This method is fast and high yielding for a range of substrates.     

Chemoselective and Solvent‐Free Thioacetalization of Aldehydes by a Catalytic Amount of NBS

A chemoselective, straightforward, and rapid method for thioacetalization of aldehydes by use of 1,2‐ethandithiol and a catalytic amount of N‐bromosuccinimide under solvent‐free conditions is reported. The reaction takes place in excellent yields and short reaction times.