Chitosan–silica sulfate nanohybrid: a highly efficient and green heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the regioselective synthesis of N-alkyl purine, pyrimidine and related N-heterocycles via presilylated method

The presilylation of purine and pyrimidine nucleobases as well as other related N -heterocycles with HMDS utilizing chitosan–silica sulfate nanohybrid (CSSNH) is described. CSSNH is proved to be a useful, highly efficient and eco-friendly heterogeneous nanohybrid catalyst for silylation of nucleobases. The presilylated nucleobases then underwent the reaction with different sources of carbon electrophiles to afford the desired N -alkyl-substituted derivatives in good-to-excellent yields. CSSNH exhibits several advantageous involving ease of handling and preparation, low cost, reusability and environmental benignity. These unique properties render the CSSNH to be an ideal candidate for use in green industrial processes. Graphic abstract