1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) an efficient homogeneous catalyst for aldol condensation reactions. Study of the catalyst recovery and reusability using CO2

In this work it was shown that TBD (1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene), a cheap and commercially available guanidine base, efficiently catalyzes aldol condensation reactions yielding interesting products for pharmacological and fragrance industries. This methodology works under solvent-less conditions and affords with very good conversions the corresponding products. Moreover, a simple and effective separation protocol using the CO2 fixation was employed. The catalyst could be recovered and re-used for three consecutive runs without significant loss of activity. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.