Catalytic effect of nanosized metal oxides on the Hantzsch reaction

The effect of nanosized copper and aluminum oxides, which have a higher sorption capacity than that of bulk samples, on the Hantzsch reaction was studied. The adsorption of starting benzaldehydes and ethyl acetoacetate on the surface of copper and aluminum nanooxides resulted in the activation of these molecules and accelerated the Hantzsch reaction. In addition, considerable activation of ammonia and intermediates (chalcone and enamine) on the surface of aluminum nanooxide facilitated an increase in the rate and selectivity of the process. The experimental results were used to develop a one-pot method for the preparation of nifedipine and nitrendipine.