Taguchi method and neural network for efficient β-ketoenamine synthesis in deionized water

The optimization of performance parameters, in particular the yield of the synthesis reaction of β-enaminones in demineralized water, is crucial to improve their efficiency and accuracy. In this report, we investigate the optimization of the synthesis of β-ketoenamines in deionized water by controlling several parameters such as reaction time, temperature, amine equivalent, acid percentage, and stirring rate. An orthogonal L₁₆ (4⁵) network was created using Taguchi's approach, allowing for the best possible parameters. To forecast the contribution of each parameter, analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques are also used. Multiple linear and nonlinear regression (MLR, MNLR) and multilayer perception artificial neural network (MLP-ANN) predictive models were developed. Analysis of the results led to optimized design parameters, with time = 6 h, temperature = 25°C, amine equivalent = 1.5, acid percentage = 20%, and stirring rate = 1000 rpm, leading to a maximum yield of 63%. ANOVA analysis revealed that temperature, stirring rate, acid percentage, and time are the parameters with the greatest influence. The least sensitive parameter is the amine equivalent. The two main interactions are temperature * acid % and amine equivalent * rpm. The MLP-ANN predictions are in good agreement with the experimental values, resulting in a higher R² compared to the quadratic regression model and the MLR model. By using molecular docking studies, the produced compounds' biological activity was investigated. Some of the synthesized compounds appear to be interesting and could be used for therapeutic applications. The results of this study give us insight into the gentle, cost-effective, and biologically active synthesis of β-enaminones in deionized water.