Synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and 1,4-dihydropyridines using ammonium carbonate in water

Various known and new 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and 1,4-dihydropyridines are prepared efficiently via Biginelli and Hantzsch reactions using ammonium carbonate in water. Competition between Biginelli and Hantzsch reactions is observed with pyridine carbaldehydes. Using this methodology, Hantzsch esters are synthesized in higher yields and purities than with other procedures without the use of a catalyst or an organic solvent.