ABSTRACT Aldol condensation of vanillin and acetone is an efficient reaction for the synthesis of dehydrozingerone (DHZ). DHZ has been investigated for its potential pharmaceutical properties, which include multiple in vitro and in vivo studies related to its potential antioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative, antifungal, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects, among others. Recent research focused on the study of both pharmaceutical properties and synthesis processes. The use of strong alkaline media has been the traditional method for obtaining DHZ, leaving new open doors for the exploration of solid catalysts that facilitate its separation and allow its recycling, with the aim of obtaining high conversion, selectivity, and yield. The use of heterogeneous catalysts with strong acidity or basicity (Ni/Al 2 O 3 , Cu/Al 2 O 3 , hydrotalcites) stands out, allowing relatively moderate reaction conditions. This review summarizes recent advances in the exploration of new catalysts for obtaining DHZ by the aldol condensation reaction, reaction mechanism, alternative preparation methods (mechanochemistry), and use of reactors with microwave irradiation in combination with studies of their therapeutic properties.
Ramirez et al. (Thu,) studied this question.