CuI as reusable catalyst for the Biginelli reaction

An improved protocol for the Biginelli reaction using CuI as a reusable catalyst is described. The synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones was achieved in acetonitrile, water and under solvent-free condition. After separation of product from the reaction mixture, the mother liquor (acetonitrile or water) containing the catalyst was reused two times without any loss of activity.