Infrared irradiation: Effective promoter in the formation of N-benzylideneanilines in the absence of solvent

Infrared irradiation promoted the formation of a series of Schiff bases in the condensation reaction between benzaldehydes and anilines, in the absence of solvent. Benzaldehydes and anilines, containing either electron-withdrawing or electron-releasing groups, were assessed to identify any substituent effect on the formation of the Schiff bases. This methodology is characterized by ease of set-up and work-up, and the reaction yields were comparable with those obtained in the methods reported previously. Moreover, this new procedure is environmentally benign because no solvent was employed in the transformations.