Regioselective N-allylation and N-cinnamylation of indoles using CuI-exchanged hierarchical nanoporous material

•Prepared a new and novel catalyst MMZCuIY and achieved a regioselective N-allylation and N-cinnamylation.•No external stabilizing ligand was required for Cu(I).•Catalyst was reused for two times and which afforded the same yield.•Catalyst was characterized by the instrumental methods like SEM, TEM, XRD, EDAX.•Products are well characterized by NMR and MS.

Regioselective N-allylation and N-cinnamylation of indoles are achieved using a novel catalyst of CuI-exchanged hierarchically architectured nanoporous material (MMZCuIY). The catalyst was characterized by electron microscopy and X-ray methods. Other advantages like functional tolerance, easy separation and reusability of the catalyst are also highlighted.

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