One-pot two-step synthesis of 4-vinylphenols from 4-hydroxy substituted benzaldehydes under microwave irradiation: a new perspective on the classical Knoevenagel-Doebner reaction

The classical Knoevenagel-Doebner reaction is reinvestigated wherein the direct synthesis of substituted 4-vinylphenols instead of the expected 4-hydroxycinnamic acids is described. The condensation reaction is performed on 4-hydroxy substituted benzaldehydes and malonic acid with a mixture of acetic acid-piperidine as condensing agent under focused microwave irradiation. The occurrence of simultaneous condensation-double decarboxylation without the use of any decarboxylating agent is a new finding, the reaction being facilitated solely by the hydroxy substituent and microwave irradiation effect.