CeCl3·7H2O as an efficient catalyst for one-pot synthesis of β-amino ketones by three-component Mannich reaction

Cerium trichloride heptahydrate (CeCl3·7H2O) was found to be an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the three-component direct Mannich reaction of anilines and benzaldehydes with acetophenone. This protocol has advantages of high yield, no environmental pollution, mild condition, and simple work-up procedure.