Deep eutectic solvent for the synthesis of (E)- Nitroalkene via microwave assisted Henry reaction

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are modified versions of ionic liquids and are formed by the fusion of polar components (liquids or solids) via hydrogen bonding interactions. In the present article, a new deep eutectic solvent (DES) was developed from ammonium acetate (as hydrogen bond acceptor- HBA) and ethylene glycol (as hydrogen bond donor- HBD) at 1:2 ratio. The physicochemical properties like density, viscosity, thermal stability and basicity of the mixture were studied. For the first time, DES was used as catalyst for the synthesis of nitroalkenes via microwave assisted Henry reaction under organic solvent free condition. The recyclability of the catalyst was achieved up to five runs without significant loss in the activity. The easy preparation, low-cost of starting materials, short reaction time etc. make the present catalyst more attractive.