CuI as reusable catalyst for the Biginelli reaction

An improved protocol for the Biginelli reaction using CuI as a reusable catalyst is described. The synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(IH)-ones was achieved in acetonitrile, water and under solvent-free condition. After separation of product from the reaction mixture, the mother liquor (acetonitrile or water) containing the catalyst was reused two times without any loss of activity. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.