Recent Advances in the Morita-Baylis-Hillman Reaction Under Microwave Irradiation

The Morita-Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction (MMBHR) is one of the most important carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, and involves the selective atom-economical construction of a carbon-carbon bond at the α-position of an activated alkene, providing densely functionalized molecules. One of the major drawbacks of the MBHR is the low reaction rate, requiring long reaction times. In this review, the MBHR, in combination with microwave irradiation is summarized for the synthesis of highly functionalized molecules with the advantages of green process and shorter reaction times.