Recent advances in metal-free catalysts for the synthesis of N-heterocyclic frameworks focusing on 5- and 6-membered rings: a review

Abstract

The tremendous potential of transition metal-free multi-component reactions (MCR) in the synthesis of N-heterocyclic frameworks is examined in this review, offering a complete overview of this subject matter. The discussion on the mechanistic rationale of the reaction routes and intermediates provides profound insights into the underlying changes, encouraging deeper investigation into various molecular frameworks. This review serves as a doorway to study the practicality of exploiting these reactions for the efficient and uncomplicated synthesis of specific nitrogen heterocycles. Specifically, we reveal the potential of transition metal-free catalysts in this field. Because of their extensive scope and diversity, these reactions enable the synthesis of various heterocycles that contain nitrogen, which include 5-membered (carbazole, pyrimidines, and pyrroles) and 6-membered rings (piperidine, pyridine, quinoline, diazinane, pyrazine, quinoxaline, and 1,2,3-triazine). In addition, the compatibility of transition metal-free catalysts with various functional groups and substrates not only increases the synthetic value of these compounds but also broadens their relevance in the domains of medical chemistry, materials science, and other relevant areas of study. To motivate future study and development in this field, the successful examples described in this review highlight the potential of transition metal-free catalysts as powerful instruments for the quick and efficient synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles. In general, this review provides a thorough and insightful examination of transition metal-free catalysts, highlighting the relevance of these compounds in contemporary organic synthesis and their potential to revolutionize the field of nitrogen heterocycle synthesis.