Efficient Synthesis of Polysubstituted Cyclohexene Derivatives by Using Lipase in “Biodegradable Solvent”

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of polysubstituted cyclohexene derivatives has been developed. One-pot multicomponent reactions (MCRs) between aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and nitromethane by using Rhizopus oryzae lipase as a biocatalyst in a biodegradable deep eutectic solvent (DES) were carried out. The simple quaternary ammonium DES, easily synthesized from choline chloride and urea was used in the reaction, which is easily available, cheap and environment friendly. This method provides access to pharmaceutically relevant products using environmentally friendly reaction conditions in excellent yields. The remarkable catalytic activity and reusability of lipase and DES widen their applicability in MCRs for the synthesis of polysubstituted alkenes with better yields.