MgO nanoparticles as an efficient and reusable catalyst for aza-Michael reaction

Abstract

MgO nanoparticles were prepared by an improved sol–gel technique which appeared to have narrow size distributions. The synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles were used as an efficient catalyst in aza-Michael reaction for addition of amines to a series of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and nitro olefins under solvent-free conditions at room temperature to afford high yields of the β-amino carbonyl and β-nitro amines. The catalyst can be recovered and reused at least five successive runs without loss of activity.