Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 2-(2-Nitroethenly)thiophene from 2-Thiophenecarboxaldehyde and Nitromethane

2-(2-Nitroethenly)thiophene can be obtained from 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde and nitromethane under Knoevenagel condensation conditions. We used beta-alanine as a catalyst and microwave irradiation as the energy source. Different reaction condition, such as beta-alanine consumption and reaction time were studied. The results indicate that the application of microwave irradiation increases the yield of desired compound. beta-Alanine-catalyzed activation of 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde provides an efficient access to 2-(2-nitroethenly)thiophene with reusability of the catalyst.