The Baylis–Hillman chemistry in aqueous media: a convenient synthesis of 2-methylenealkanoates and alkanenitriles

A convenient, general and efficient synthesis of 2-methylenealkanoates and alkanenitriles is accomplished via the regioselective nucleophilic (SN2′) addition of hydride ion from NaBH4 to (2Z)-2-(bromomethyl)alk-2-enoates and 2-(bromomethyl)alk-2-enenitriles respectively in the presence of DABCO in environment friendly aqueous media. Synthesis of two hypoglycemic agents is also described.