Nano indium oxide catalyzed tandem cyclization of amidine with nitroolefin

A tandem cyclization of amidine with nitroolefin has been described using nano In2O3 as an efficient catalyst. The reaction is effective for the preparation of 4,5-unsymmetrically substituted 1-H imidazole in moderate to good yields. The catalyst was successfully reused for four consecutive cycles with similar catalytic activities. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.