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 AlCl3. The structure of the synthesized compound is confirmed by H-1 NMR, C-13 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.