One-pot synthesis of 2-amino-5-nitro-4,6-diarylcyclohex-1-ene-1,3,3-tricarbo-nitriles by condensation of aldehyde, malononitrile, and nitromethane in the presence of Mg–Al HT under solvent-free condition

A multicomponent one-pot reaction of aromatic aldehyde, malononitrile, and nitromethane is carried out in the presence of HTs (different Mg/Al ratios) and other solid bases, where 2-amino-5-nitro-4,6-diphenylcyclohex-1-ene-1,3,3-tricarbonitriles are obtained. HT with Mg/Al = 5 is the best catalyst for the reaction. The reaction gives best results under solvent-free condition. The catalyst can be easily separated and is recyclable. Other parameters were optimized.