Green chemistry and catalysis in Mannich reaction

Abstract In the search for high yielding, sustainable and green transformations leading to desired products with high level of structural complexity and desired functionality, the multicomponent reactions appear as very promising alternative. Mannich reaction is an excellent example of multicomponent processes that enables formation of new carbon-carbon bonds leading to β-amino carbonyl compounds and 1,2-amino alcohol derivatives. The latter are pivotal building blocks used in the preparation of biologically active compounds, versatile synthetic intermediates, and natural products. The ability to carry out this transformation in water makes it even more attractive and no wonder that this fact has gained significant attention of chemical society. In this review, we critically discuss the most prominent examples of catalytic Mannich reaction performed in water developed over the past 10 years.