Potassium dodecatungstocobaltate trihydrate (K5CoW12O40·3H2O): A mild and efficient reusable catalyst for the synthesis of β-acetamido ketones under solvent-free conditions

A simpler and greener protocol has been developed for the preparation of β-acetamido ketones by a one-pot reaction of aryl aldehydes, enolisable ketones, acetyl chloride and acetonitrile in the presence of potassium dodecatungstocobaltate trihydrate [K5CoW12O40·3H2O (0.01 mol%)] as a heterogeneous catalyst in a solvent-free media at room temperature. The present methodology offers several advantages such as excellent yields, simple procedure, short reaction times (1-2 h) and milder conditions and the catalyst exhibited remarkable reusable activity.