Short communicationAn efficient synthesis of N-substituted phthalimides using SiO2-tpy-Nb as heterogeneous and reusable catalyst

•A novel heterogeneous catalyst SiO2-tpy-Nb was developed to prepare N-substituted phthalimides.•The catalyst was stable and recoverable for eight cycles without significant loss in its activity.•The catalyst is applicable in continuous flow which indicates its utilization in industry.

A novel and efficient heterogeneous catalyst SiO2-tpy-Nb was developed, and its application in the preparation of N-substituted phthalimides from o-phthalic acids or anhydrides with amines provides the desired products in good to excellent yields. The catalyst was stable and recoverable for eight consecutive cycles without a significant loss in its activity. Furthermore, the catalyst is applicable in continuous flow which indicates its potential utilization in industrialization.

Graphical abstractA novel and efficient heterogeneous catalyst SiO2-tpy-Nb was developed to prepare N-substituted phthalimides from o-phthalic acids or anhydrides with amines in good to excellent yields.Download high-res image (253KB)Download full-size image