Multicomponent reactions are powerful synthetic tools for the efficient creation of complex organic molecules in an one-pot one-step fashion. Moreover, the amount of solvents and energy needed for separation and purification of intermediates is significantly reduced what is beneficial from the green chemistry issues point of view. This review highlights the development of multicomponent reactions conducted using aqueous micelles systems during the last two decades.

The formation of α-acyloxy carboxamides from a carboxylic acid, an aldehyde and an isocyanide (Passerini reaction) was investigated in aqueous solution in the presence of different types of surfactants.

A new, alternative route for the synthesis of a variety of α-aminoacyl amides via the four-component Ugi reaction in the presence of different types of surfactants was investigated. The best results were obtained if the reaction was carried out in the presence of either didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) vesicles or Triton X-100 micelles. The presence of vesicles or micelles in these systems was confirmed by applying dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fluorescence measurements. Additionally, detailed studies of the dependence on the concentration of the two surfactants and on their reusability were performed. The obtained results demonstrate the beneficial effect aqueous surfactant systems may have on the course of the Ugi-multicomponent reaction.