Cu-metal organic frameworks (Cu-MOF) as an environment-friendly and economical catalyst for one pot synthesis of tacrine derivatives

The present work describes the catalytic activity of Cu-MOF for the one-pot synthesis of tacrine derivatives via a four-component reaction of 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione, aldehydes, malononitrile and cycloketones in the presence of AlCl(3). The structure of the synthesized compound is confirmed by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, IR, and MASS. The catalyst prepared under pressure is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and SEM. The noteworthy advantages of this procedure include its broad substrate scope, high yields up to 93%, atom economy, using readily available starting materials and a powerful recyclable nano catalyst. Additionally, there is no need to use column chromatography for purifying products so, it has the potential for large-scale applications in pharmaceutical industries. Another advantage of this method is the ability to recycle the catalyst up to 3 times and reuse it.