Simple and practical procedure for Knoevenagel condensation under solvent-free conditions

The Knoevenagel condensation reaction between araldehyde and active methylene using gallium chloride catalyst under solvent-free conditions has been described. The reaction takes place at room temperature by grind stone method and offers good purity of product in high yield. Work-up is very simple and the products do not need further purification. The reaction conditions are very mild and this protocol is applicable to various aldehydes such as araldehydes and heteroaromatic aldehydes as well as active methylene compounds, namely, malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate.