Graphite brings about a rapid Mannich reaction with a range of activated and unactivated phenolic compounds such as p-cresol and p-nitrophenol. The reactions are carried out with azacrown ether and paraformaldehyde in solvent-free conditions at 100 °C for 20–30 min. The graphite powder can be reused up to three times after simple washing with acetone.Key words: azacrown ether, lariat ether, graphite, solvent-free, Mannich reaction.
Peer Review #2 of "One-pot multicomponent nitro-Mannich reaction using a heterogeneous catalyst under solvent-free conditions (v0.1)"