FeCl3/Montmorillonite K10 as an efficient catalyst for solvent-free aza-Michael reaction between amine and α,β-unsaturated compounds

A highly efficient, inexpensive and greener protocol for aza-Michael addition reaction of different aromatic and aliphatic/cyclic amines to alpha,beta-unsaturated compounds using a FeCl3/MontK10 catalyst under solvent-free conditions has been developed. The Michael addition products are obtained in good to excellent yields. The catalyst was insensitive to moisture and it also showed excellent reusability in the reaction. Its high activity is attributed mostly to redox properties of FeCl3.