Fe3O4 Nanoparticles as an Efficient and Magnetically Recoverable Catalyst for the Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones under Solvent-Free Conditions

The catalytic activity of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) in a one-pot three component condensation reaction consisting of an aromatic aldehyde, urea or thiourea, and a beta-dicarbonyl under solvent-free conditions was investigated. This reaction affords the corresponding dihydropyrimidinones (thiones) in high to excellent yields. Compared with the classical Biginelli reactions this method consistently gives a high yield, easy magnetic separation, a short reaction time, and catalyst reusability.