An efficient and rapid green methodology has been successfully developed for the Knoevenagel condensation of various substituted aromatic aldehydes with malononitrile. This protocol utilizes triethanolamine (TEOA) as an organocatalyst and employs ethanol as a benign solvent, allowing the reaction to proceed smoothly at ambient (room) temperature. The method provides good to excellent yields across a range of substrates, highlighting its broad applicability and effectiveness.

This procedure offers several notable advantages that align with the principles of green chemistry. The reaction demonstrates a clean profile with minimal formation of by-products, reducing the need for extensive purification steps. Triethanolamine, used as the catalyst, is readily recyclable, contributing to cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The overall protocol is practically simple, operationally convenient, and avoids the use of hazardous or toxic organic solvents. Additionally, the reaction occurs under metal-free conditions, eliminating concerns related to metal contamination and environmental hazards. Collectively, these features make this approach an environmentally friendly, safe, and highly efficient strategy for the synthesis of substituted alkenes via Knoevenagel condensation.