Heterogeneous ditopic ZnFe2O4 catalyzed synthesis of 4H-pyrans: further conversion to 1,4-DHPs and report of functional group interconversion from amide to ester

Highly stable, environmentally benign ZnFe2O4 nanopowder was prepared, characterized and applied in the one-pot, three-component synthesis of 4H-pyrans in water. The ZnFe2O4 catalyst provides both acidic (Fe3+) and basic functionalities (O2-) as the reaction requires. The advantages of this method lie in its simplicity, cost effectiveness, environmental friendliness and easier scaling up for large scale synthesis. Water was exploited both as a reaction medium as well as a medium for synthesis of the catalyst. Moreover, water was the only byproduct. The present report puts forward an application of 4H-pyrans for the synthesis of 1,4-DHPs. This is the first attempt towards the synthesis of 4H-pyran-3-carboxylate from 4H-pyran-3-carboxamide. The corresponding functional group interconversion from amide to ester is rare in organic synthesis.