CeO2 nanoparticles: A robust and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the diastereoselective synthesis of β-acetamido esters

Abstract

The preparation of seven β-acetamido esters, two of which are novel, has been achieved by a one-pot condensation reaction of an araldehyde, ethyl acetoacetate and acetyl chloride in the presence of CeO2 nanoparticles under reflux conditions in acetonitrile. This method provides several advantages including easy workup, excellent yields, short reaction times, diastereoselective synthesis, reusability of the catalyst and low catalyst loading.