Synthesis of a Series of Highly Substituted Cyclohexanols via Michael Addition in an Aqueous Medium

Abstract

The Michael addition of active methylene compounds or nitromethane to chalcones in an aqueous medium and catalysed by tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) to afford highly substituted cyclohexanols is described. The protocol provides an efficient route for the synthesis of highly substituted cyclohexanols, with short reaction time, and a range of different substrates in the absence of toxic organic solvents.