Multi-component synthesis of 2-amino-6-(alkylthio)pyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles using Zn(II) and Cd(II) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) under solvent-free conditions

Multi-component synthesis of 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-thio-pyridines has been developed by using the reaction of aldehydes, malononitrile, and thiophenols in the presence of a Zn(II) or a Cd(II) metal-organic framework (MOF) as the heterogeneous catalyst. This protocol tolerates different functional groups on the substrates and does not require the use of any organic solvent. Moreover, the Zn(II) and Cd(II) MOF catalysts can be recovered and reused for a number of runs without loss of activity.