Perkin reaction

Perkin reaction
Named after William Henry Perkin
Reaction type Condensation reaction
Reaction
Aromatic aldehyde
+
Aliphatic acid anhydride
+
Alkali salt of the acid
Cinnamic acid derivatives
Identifiers
RSC ontology ID RXNO:0000003 Y
 Y(what is this?)  (verify)

The Perkin reaction is an organic reaction developed by English chemist William Henry Perkin in 1868 that is used to make cinnamic acids. It gives an α,β-unsaturated aromatic acid or α-substituted β-aryl acrylic acid by the aldol condensation of an aromatic aldehyde and an acid anhydride, in the presence of an alkali salt of the acid. The alkali salt acts as a base catalyst, and other bases can be used instead.

Several reviews have been written.