Henry reaction in environmentally benign methods using imidazole as catalyst

Imidazole has been found to be an efficient Lewis base catalyst for the synthesis of 2-nitroalkanols from nitro-aldol reaction in aqueous medium as well as using solvent-free grinding methods. In both cases, the products have been found in good to moderate yields without formation of any side product. Recycling of the catalyst is also possible with imidazole containing aqueous phase reaction medium (after extraction of product).