Environmentally friendly solvent-free processes: Novel dual catalyst system in Henry reaction

Our environmentally benign synthesis of nitroalcohols involves a simple solvent-free condensation of an appropriate aldehyde with a 1-nitroalkane utilizing a novel dual catalytic system consisting of a mineral base and an appropriate surfactant under homogeneous conditions. By proper choice of the catalyst, base, and/or reaction conditions, the reaction can be performed to a level of >90% conversion as well as selectivity.