Nano-SiO2 catalyzed synthesis of β-enaminones under solvent free conditions

Nano-SiO2 efficiently catalyzed the synthesis of β-enaminones using direct condensation of various (cyclic and acyclic) β-diketones with aromatic and aliphatic amines under solvent-free conditions. This eco-friendly catalyst can be recovered and reused without significant loss of activity. This methodology provides a simple synthetic route to enaminones in excellent yields at room temperature.