Eosin Y photocatalyzed access to Biginelli reaction using primary alcohols via domino multicomponent cascade: an approach towards sustainable synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones

The Eosin Y photocatalyzed Biginelli protocol has been established by a cascade one-pot three-component reaction of primary alcohols, α-ketoester, and urea to provide pharmacologically promising 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones in high yields. The key benefits of the present scheme are the capability to allow operational simplicity, readily available substrates, straightforward workup and high yields. This Eosin Y based photocatalytic approach can permit conquering traditional metal-catalyzed reactions in a sustainable manner, thus delivering economic and environmental rewards. Graphical abstract An environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of 3,4-DHPMs has been developed using inexpensive molecular oxygen, visible light as green energy source and eosin Y as photoreceptor-cum-sensitizer. The utilized photoreceptor revealed its unique properties in rapid intersystem crossing, high photo and chemical stability, ease of separation and high catalytic efficiency.