Organocatalysed three-component domino synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines under solvent free conditions

An organocatalysed protocol for one-pot synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines via three-component coupling of cinnamaldehyde, aniline and β-keto esters under solvent free conditions at ambient temperature is reported. The reaction is generally very fast and the products are obtained in high yield. The catalytic activity of small organic molecules like amino acids (acidic, basic and neutral), ephedrine and cinchona alkaloids was studied.