ortho-Alkenylation of anilines with aromatic terminal alkynes over nanosized zeolite beta†
Abstract
A simple, efficient and environmentally benign catalytic system has been successfully developed for highly regioselective electrophilic alkenylation of anilines with aromatic terminal alkynes over nanosized zeolite beta, which exhibits the highest catalytic activity among other conventional zeolites. The scope of the reaction was explored with various anilines and alkynes. However, the substrates (aniline or alkynes) with strong electron-withdrawing groups failed to react under the present catalytic conditions (except 4-nitroaniline). Moreover, the catalyst is recyclable and can be reused without significant loss in its catalytic activity.