An enhanced stereoselective synthesis of α,β-unsaturated esters through the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction in deep eutectic solvents

A new scalable synthesis of ( E )-α,β-unsaturated esters has been developed using protic, non-toxic, and biodegradable deep eutectic solvents through the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction between triethyl phosphonates and (hetero)aromatic carbonyl compounds, encompassing electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups. Stereoselective preparation of disubstituted or trisubstituted ethyl cinnamate derivatives is achieved in the presence of LiOH, K 2 CO 3 , or DBU as bases, at room temperature and under air. Demonstrated with the synthesis of ( E )-ethyl 3-(4-bromophenyl)acrylate, the same eutectic mixture (choline chloride/urea) proved to be reusable for three consecutive runs. Gram-scale reactions (10 mmol) can be carried out without the formation of side products, thereby ensuring high atom economy and an EcoScale score of 71. An enhanced stereoselective synthesis of α,β-unsaturated esters has been developed using protic and biodegradable deep eutectic solvents.