Direct Mannich reaction mediated by Fe(Cp)2PF6 under solvent-free conditions

Fe(Cp)(2)PF6 (5 mol %) efficiently catalyzed Mannich reaction of aldehydes, anilines, and ketones under solvent-free condition to give beta-amino-ketones in high yield (up to 94%) within 30 min with anti-isomer in excess. Simple experimental conditions and product isolation procedure makes this protocol potential for the development of clean and environment-friendly strategy for the synthesis of beta-amino-ketones. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.