Bismuth nitrate as an efficient recyclable catalyst for the one-pot multi component synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives through unsymmetrical Hantzsch reaction

Bismuth nitrate catalyzed efficient Hantzsch reaction via four-component coupling reactions of aromatic aldehydes, 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione (dimedone), ethyl acetoacetate and ammonium acetate at 80 °C temperature was described as the preparation of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives. 2-Amino-4-phenyl-3-cyano-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline derivatives are also prepared under the same experimental conditions using aldehydes, dimedone, malononitrile and ammonium acetate in good yield. The higher catalytic activity of Bi(NO3)·5H2O is ascribed to its high acidity, thermal stability and water tolerance. The process presented here is operationally simple, environmentally benign and has excellent yield. Furthermore, the catalyst can be recovered conveniently and reused efficiently.