Optimisation of solvent free parallel synthesis under microwave irradiation: synthesis of new arylacrylonitriles

Nitriles were condensed with benzaldehyde and piperonal under microwave irradiation in dry conditions. Fifty reactions were effected on five different catalyst supports in Eppendorf microtubes, coupled with TLC analysis. This parallel synthesis allows the choice of the catalyst support. Arylacrylonitriles were prepared with the best catalyst found.