The first example of Michael addition catalysed by modified Mg-Al hydrotalcite

Selective 1,4-additions (Michael reactions) on methyl vinyl ketone, methyl acrylate, simple and substituted chalcones by donors such as nitroalkane, malononitrile, diethylmalonate, cyanoacetamide and thiols were catalysed by solid base, modified Mg-Al hydrotalcite as catalyst in quantitative yields in liquid phase under mild reaction conditions. Products of undesirable side reactions resulting from 1,2-addition, polymerisation and bis-addition are not observed. The work-up procedure is simplified by simple filtration with the use of solid bases. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.