Nano-ordered MCM-41-SO3H an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of N-substituted pyrroles in water

Condensation of 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran and aniline derivatives has been carried out in aqueous media in the presence of mesoporoushydrogen sulfated MCM-41 (MCM-41-SO3H). The reaction is smoothly catalyzed by very low loading of heterogeneous MCM-41-SO3H to afford a wide variety of N-substituted pyrroles. This procedure is clean, environmentally friendly and has many advantages including short reaction time, high yields, low cost and simple work-up. The catalyst could be recycled at least 3 times without substantial decrease of its catalytic activity.