Azoles: Effective Catalysts for Baylis-Hillman Reaction in Aqueous Media

β-Substituted enones have been considered less reactive in Baylis-Hillman reaction. The reaction of cyclic enones is sluggish or does not occur at all under traditional conditions. Various catalysts have been developed to pro mote the reaction of cyclic enones but with limited success. In previous study, we found that imidazole can catalyze the Baylis-Hillman reaction involving cyclic enones in aqueous THF solution. [1] In our continued efforts, a variety of azole compounds were examined in Baylis-Hillman reaction. We found that the azoles act as effective catalysts in properly adjusted water solution.……