Montmorillonite K-10 catalyzed synthesis of Hantzsch dihydropyridine derivatives from methyl arenes via in situ generated ammonia under microwave irradiation in neat conditions.

An expeditious, efficient, and environmentally friendly approach has been established for the synthesis of diverse Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives utilizing montmorillonite K-10 as a catalyst in solvent-free conditions. The procedure entails the reaction of methyl arynes as a sustainable surrogate of aryl aldehydes, active methylene compounds, and urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP) as an oxidising agent as well as a source of ammonia under microwave irradiation, facilitated by montmorillonite K-10.