Polyfunctionally substituted nitriles are versatile reagents that have been extensively utilized as precursors for synthesis of functionalized heteroaromatic compounds [1]. Development of the synthetic routes for these compounds is a great demand [2]. 2-Aminoprop-1-ene-1,1,3-tricarbonitrile (1) has proved to be an excellent precursor to condensed pyridines, pyridazines, and pyrazoles [3]. Herein, we wish to report novel Zr-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with sulfonic acid tags as a nonporous catalyst. 6-Amino-2-(dicyanomethylene)-4-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles were prepared by reaction of 2-aminoprop-1-ene-1,1,3-tricarbonitrile (1), aldehyde and malononitrile in the presence of Zr-MOFs-SO3H at 110 ◦C in excellent yields and short reaction times
