Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are a green strategy in which a collection of molecules with a great diversity are generated with a minimum of synthetic effort, time and by-products formation. The Ugi Multi-component reaction is a chemical reaction in which an aldehyde, an amine, a carboxylic acid and an isocyanide react to form a α-bisamide. In this work, we use the Ugi reaction, as an example of MCRs, to approach organic chemistry undergraduate students to sustainable reactions. This reaction can be carried out under on-water or solvent-free conditions, both at room temperature as in combination with microwave irradiation or ultrasound. The advantages and limitations of the usage of Ugi reaction, under these conditions, in an organic chemistry laboratory course are discussed. In this context, we used different parameters to calculate how environmentally friendly the assayed conditions are. The Chemical Manufacturing Methods for the 21st Century Pharmaceutical Industries (CHEM21 project) were used with this objective. The present work could contribute to the teaching of ecofriendly synthetic strategies, demonstrating the scientific and academic benefits of green chemistry.
