L-Proline assisted expeditious and efficient methodology for the preparation of 2-amino-3-cyanopyridines under aqueous conditions

Here, the use of L-proline as a catalyst is a quick and efficient reaction profile for the one-pot synthesis of a number of 2-amino-3-cyanopyridine derivatives from malononitrile, aromatic aldehyde, acetophenone, and ammonium acetate at 60 °C, utilizing water as a solvent produces final products with a good yield are disclosed. This process has the advantages of a quick routine, large yields, environment-friendly, broad substrate scope tolerance, catalyst recyclability, simple workup processes, etc.

Graphical abstract

SYNOPSIS A rapid and clean reaction profile for the one-pot synthesis of a series of 2-amino-3-cyanopyridine derivatives using an L-proline catalyst has been disclosed here. The multicomponent reaction of aldehyde, malononitrile, ketone, and ammonium acetate using water as a solvent at 60 °C gives final products in good yield. The current protocol has several advantages, such as broad substrate scope tolerance, shorter reaction times, environmentally benign approach, catalyst recyclability, simple and easy workup procedures, etc. Further, the catalyst was recycled (up to 4 cycles) without compromising the yield of the final products.