Solvent Free Synthesis of α,α-Bis(Substituted-benzylidene)cycloalkanones Using Covalently Anchored Sulfonic Acid on Silica Gel(SiO_(2)-R-SO_(3)H)as an Efficient and Reusable Heterogeneous Catalyst

We wish to report a mild and efficient Crossed-Aldol reaction for the synthesis of α, ?-bis(substituted-ben- zylidene)cycloalkanones in the presence of catalytic amounts of covalently anchored sulfonic acid onto sil- ica gel under heterogeneous and solvent-free conditions. The present methodology offers several advantages such as excellent yields, simple procedure and work up steps, short reaction times and easy recovery of the catalyst. We have also demonstrated that the catalyst can be reused successfully.

Sodium-Modified Fluorapatite: A Mild and Efficient Reusable Catalyst for the Synthesis of <i>α,α</i>’-Bis(Substituted Benzylidene) Cycloalkanones under Conventional Heating and Microwave Irradiation

A versatile and environmentally friendly method for α,α’-bis(substituted ben-zylidene) cycloalkanones has been developed using a heterogeneous catalysis technology. We have synthesized a series of the α,α’-bis(substituted benzylidene) cycloalkanones, a biologically important class of compounds, via the cross aldol condensation between arylaldehydes and cycloketones using sodium-modified fluorapatite (Na/FAP) as a highly efficient solid catalyst under conventional heating in aqueous media and solventless conditions under microwave. Catalyst reuse, ease of separation of the pure product, and high yields are some of the unique features of this process. Shorter reaction times (4 - 7 min) and higher yields (80% - 94%) were achieved under microwave irradiation conditions.