Abstract: The method of Michael addition reaction of thiophenol with intramolecular hydrogen bond in an aqueous medium was reported. The aqueous reactive medium includes saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium bisulfate. 2-Hydroxythiophenol,2-aminothiophenol,2-carboxythiophenol,ethyl acrylate and arcylonitrile were selected as model molecules to demonstrate the method. It is found that the reaction can be accomplished rapidly at room temperature with a high yield,and no mercapto-coupling byproduct formed.

Key words: Aqueous reaction, Thiophenol, Intramolecular hydrogen bond, Michael addition