Nano ceria catalyzed synthesis of α-aminophosphonates under ultrasonication

A simple, efficient and general method has been developed for the one-pot three component syntheses of alpha-aminophosphonates. The condensation of aldehyde, amine and triethyl phosphite by employing CeO2 nanoparticles as catalyst gave alpha-aminophosphonates. The catalyst showed good recyclability. Nano CeO2 has been found to be an excellent catalyst for the green synthesis of alpha-aminophosphonates under ultrasound irradiation and solvent-free condition. The alpha-aminophosphonates are obtained in good to excellent yield. This catalyst provides cleaner conversion, short reaction time and high selectivity which makes the protocol feasible and economical attractive. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.