A convenient method for synthesis of terpyridines via a cooperative vinylogous anomeric based oxidation.

The presented study is the first report of the synthesis of terpyridines in the presence of a nanomagnetic catalyst instead of harmful reagents. Herein, Fe 3 O 4 @O 2 PO 2 (CH 2 ) 2 NH 3 + CF 3 CO 2 - as a retrievable nanocatalyst with magnetic properties was applied for the multi-component reaction between acetylpyridine derivatives (2 or 3 or 4-isomer), aryl aldehydes and ammonium acetate under conventional heating conditions in the absence of any solvent. The derived terpyridines were obtained with acceptable yields and brief reaction times via a cooperative vinylogous anomeric based oxidation route. Fe 3 O 4 @O 2 PO 2 (CH 2 ) 2 NH 3 + CF 3 CO 2 - showed a high capability for recovery and reuse in the mentioned reaction.