Clean synthesis of ethyl α-cyanocinnamates catalysed by hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide in aqueous media

Abstract

An efficient and convenient approach to the synthesis of ethyl α-cyanocinnamates in water using hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (HTMAB) as the phase-transfer catalyst (10 mol %) is described. This method provides several advantages such as neutral conditions, high yields and simple work-up procedure.