B2O3/Al2O3 as a new, highly efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the selective synthesis of β-enamino ketones and esters under solvent-free conditions

Boron oxide adsorbed on alumina (B2O3/Al2O3 ) has been found to be a new and highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of β-enamino ketones and esters by the enamination of various primary and secondary amines with β-dicarbonyl compounds under solvent-free conditions. The important features of this methodology are broad substrate scope, high yield, no requirement of metal catalysts, high regio- and chemoselectivity and environmental friendliness. In addition, the catalyst could be recovered easily after the reactions and reused without evident loss of reactivity.