Silica gel-mediated self-aldol reactions of highly volatile aldehydes without reflux condenser

What is it about?

Silica gel-mediated self-aldol reactions were catalyzed by piperidine to give the corresponding ,-conjugated aldehydes in good yields. The aldol reactions of 4-nitro-, 4-trifluoromethyl-, and 4-chlorobenzaldehydes with acetone afforded the corresponding aldol products. Highly volatile aldehydes and acetone could be employed even without a reflux condenser for these reactions. Silica gel could be recycled five times without any significant decrease of the yields of the products.

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Why is it important?

Silica gel-mediated reactions also make it possible to carry out the heating above their boiling points of substrates.