An environmentally benign protocol: catalyst-free Michael addition of aromatic amines to α,β-unsaturated ketones in glycerol

Glycerol was used as a reaction medium as well as promoter for aza-Michael addition of aromatic amines to electronic deficient alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones. Various aromatic amines can react smoothly with chalcone, 2-cyclohexen-1-one, 2-cyclopenten-1-one, and ethyl vinyl ketone to achieve good to excellent yields in the absence of any catalyst.