Simple and Fast Cross Aldol Reation by NiO Nanoparticles as an Efficient Catalyst

Abstract

Objective(s): This paper describes the synthesis of aldol adducts using nickel oxide nanoparticles with two size distributions at room temperature.

Methods: Eleven β-hydroxyl carbonyl compounds were obtained by the aldol reaction of cycloalkanones and various aromatic aldehydes using nickel oxide nanoparticles. Their structures were confirmed by spectral data (IR, ¹HNMR and ¹³CNMR). Diastereoselectivities determined by ¹HNMR analysis.

Results: The results indicated that the cross aldol reaction of cycloalkanones with various aldehydes using catalytic amount of NiO NPs proceeded smoothly at room temperature to give the β-hydroxy ketone derivatives in moderate to good yields and good diastereoselectivities. A low annealing temperature would be useful to gain a high specific surface area of NiO NPs, as an efficient catalytic process.

Conclusion: The catalytic method provides access to various aldol products from modest to good yields with good diastereoselectivity for all reported substrates. The investigation continues toward the asymmetric version of cross aldol reaction.