This paper presents mechanistic considerations on an efficient, green, and solvent-free
Knoevenagel procedure for the chemical transformation of furanic aldehydes into their
corresponding α,β-unsaturated compounds. In the proposed mechanism furanic aldehydes
react with ammonia, released from ammonium salts, to form a catalytically active double
Schiff base. The catalytic intermediates involved in the condensation step are characterized.
Key words
furfural - 5-HMF - green Knoevenagel - catalytic intermediates - double Schiff base