Abstract
A simple and efficient protocol developed for one pot three-component synthesis of 2,4,6-triarylpyridines from aromatic aldehydes, substituted acetophenones and ammonium acetate using the versatile super Brønsted acid triflimide (HNTf(2)) as an effective catalyst is described. The reactions proceed well in the presence of 1 mol% of HNTf(2) at 80 °C under solvent-free conditions and provide the corresponding triarylpyridines in good to excellent yields. The method reported has several advantages such as a metal-free and commercially available catalyst, mild reaction conditions and lower loading of catalyst.