Solvent-free synthesis of β-enamino ketones and esters catalysed by recyclable iron(III) triflate

A novel application of highly stable Fe(OTf)3 as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of a variety of β-enamino ketones and esters under solvent-free conditions is described. Notably, this protocol of a “green synthesis”, which produced β-enamino ketones and esters by the reaction of a variety of β-dicarbonyl compounds and primary amines, exhibits attractive properties including high yields, short reaction periods, lower loading of catalyst and chemo- and regio-selectivity. In addition, the catalyst was easily recovered from the reaction system and readily reused with minimal loss of activity.