Synthesis of an amphiphilic aldehyde using as a key step the condensation of a lipophilic glyoxylic acid amide derivative with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane

Spontaneous condensation of a glyoxylic acid amide derivative incorporating a palmitoyl group with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane followed by Dess–Martin oxidation led to an heterocyclic amphiphilic aldehyde, which was successfully engaged in hydrazone formation in partial aqueous media.