LiBr as an Efficient Catalyst for One-pot Synthesis of Hantzsch 1,4-Dihydropyridines under Mild Conditions

A simple, inexpensive and efficient one-pot synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines has been accomplished via lithium bromide-catalyzed Hantzsch three-component condensation reaction of an aldehyde, α,β-ketoester and ammonium acetate in acetonitrile at room temperature in good to excellent yields. The present protocol is applicable to wide range of substrates including aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic aldehydes affording 1,4-dihydropyridines.