Mesoporous silica nanoparticles in an efficient, solvent-free, green synthesis of acridinediones

•A “green” catalyst is made out of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs).•MSNs prove efficient in mild catalytic synthesis of acridinediones.•Good yield, short reaction times, and easy work-ups are the advantages of this process.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are employed in an efficient, biocompatible and neutral catalytic green synthesis of acridinediones, through one-pot three-component reaction of dimedone with aromatic aldehydes, in the presence of a nitrogen source (ammonium acetate or aromatic amines), under neat conditions. There are several advantages for using MSNs in the current process such as good yield, easy catalysis, short reaction time, easy work-up, and simplicity of operation.