Multi-component reactions (MCRs) are important tools in combinatorial chemistry because of their capability to prepare target compounds in high yields with superior atom economy.1 Heterogeneous catalysts have attracted renewed attention over homogeneous catalysts, because of their simplicity in recovery and regeneration.2–3 In some ways, nano catalysts act as a bridge between heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts.4 Moreover, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) offer such benefits as high stability, facile separation by an external magnetic field, easy preparation and functionalization, and environmental benignity; they have high surface area and high loading capacity.5–6 In continuation of our investigations on the application of metal nanoparticles as heterogeneous catalysts in organic reactions,7–10 we now describe in this study an efficient method for the one-pot synthesis of pyranoquinoline derivatives from aryl aldehydes, malononitrile, and 8-hydroxyquinoline. We used MNPs@SiO2-Pr-AP11 for our work.
