Iron-doped single walled carbon nanotubes as an efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of organophosphorus compounds under solvent-free conditions

Iron-doped single walled carbon nanotubes (Fe/SWCNTs) is an efficient, eco-friendly, and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of diversely decorated alpha-aminophosphonates via multicomponent reaction of amines, carbonyl compounds, and phosphorus compounds under solvent-free conditions. This methodology illustrates a very simple procedure, with wide applicability, extending the scope to aliphatic and aromatic amines and carbonyl compounds. It also enabled the development of one-pot synthesis of beta-phosphonomalonates during the reaction of carbonyl compounds, malononitrile and phosphorus compounds. Excellent results were obtained in each case affording the corresponding organophosphorus adducts in good yields. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.