One-pot synthesis of N-containing heterocycles from bioethanol via dehydrogenative dual-cross-condensation

Green synthesis of N-containing heterocycles has drawn increasing attention due to their significant applications in pharmaceuticals, dyes, and materials, while remains a great challenge. Herein, we propose a one-pot synthesis of N-containing heterocycles from bioethanol and amino alcohols via dehydrogenative dual-cross-condensation and secondary-cross-condensation by a cascade catalysis. Isolated yields of 93% to pyrrole in reaction of bioethanol with 2-aminoethanol, 95% to N-ethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline in reaction of bioethanol with 2-aminobenzyl alcohol, and 94% to N-ethyl piperidine in reaction of bioethanol with 3-aminopropanol have been achieved using a Ni catalyst supported Zr-containing layered double oxides without any additives. This work provides not only a green and sustainable method for production of the N-containing heterocycles but also a promising way for the sustainable use of bioethanol and even biomass industry.