Comparison of conventional and green approaches to the synthesis of aromatic Schiff bases

Abstract The chemical industry is one of the key elements in improving the quality of human life. At the same time, it generates pollution influencing the ecosystem and our health. To limit or remove some of the reasons of pollution for two decades less harmful approaches to the synthesis of various organic compounds were developed. Among organic compounds, azomethines, also known as Schiff bases, are of particular interest in biochemistry, medicine, and pharmacy. For over twenty years many novel approaches to the synthesis of these compounds have been investigated. Toxic solvents (benzene, toluene) have been replaced with water, fruit juice, or white egg, and in many cases, temperature and time of process were significantly reduced. In the review, conventional and green approaches to the synthesis of Schiff bases are presented with a focus on the effectiveness of these methods, including advantages and disadvantages.