The Synthesis of Benzylidene Acetophenone in Near-critical Water

Benzylidene acetophenone was synthesized successfully through the reaction of benzaldehyde with acetophenone in near-critical water, without any added catalyst. The yield of benzylidene acetophenone reached 31.4% under optimal conditions. This method is a green synthetic process with a simple treatment after reaction, no employing of organic solvent and base catalyst, which are needed in the traditional process.