Green Multicomponent Reaction for the Organic Chemistry Laboratory. The Aqueous Passerini Reaction.

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

9-1-2009

Department

Chemistry

Abstract

Water is the ideal green solvent for organic reactions. However, most organic molecules are insoluble in it. Herein, we report a laboratory module that takes advantage of this property. The Passerini reaction, a three-component coupling involving an isocyanide, aldehyde, and carboxylic acid, typically requires ~ 24 h reaction times in organic solvents, but produces a quantitative conversion and yield in < 30 min when performed in water. This rate enhancement allows the Passerini reaction to be easily adapted for use in a second-year organic laboratory course. Additionally, the incorporation of this laboratory module facilitates discussions of both green chemistry and combinatorial chemistry in the curriculum.

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