Introduction

One-pot multicomponent reaction has several merits over the routine and step-by-step reaction. The advantages of one-pot multicomponent reactions are the rapid achievement of complexity and variety in the synthesis of organic materials through highly practical and time-saving approaches. Moreover, this synthetic tool allows chemists to meet the criteria of green chemistry, such as waste prevention, atom and step economy, saving of solvents and reagents, uncomplicated purification procedures, avoidance of hazardous materials, and energy efficiency1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. Recently, chemists, by consideration of green chemistry law, choice eco-friendly synthetic methods such as solvent-free condition and using nanocatalyst for organic reactions9,10,11,12,13,14,15.

Cellulose, as a naturally abundant biopolymer and renewable resource containing OH groups is one of the most ideal coating layers for Fe3O4 NPs16,17. Almond shell is a natural and readily available source of cellulose. Heterogeneous catalyst based on magnetic nanoparticles have high dispersion in reaction mixture and simple removing by an external magnet advantages18,19,20,21. CuII as ecofriendly cation is a good Lewis acid and can active the carbonyl group for nucleophilic addition reactions22.

1,3-Oxazines23,24,25 have potential biological and pharmacological properties such as antibacterial26, analgesic27, antitumor28, antihypertensive29, anti-HIV30, antithrombotic31, antiulcer32, and anti-Parkinson’s disease33 activities. Recently, some protocols have been developed for the synthesis of benzo-fused 1,3-oxazines, such as, Mannich-type condensation of formaldehyde, β-naphthol, and amine34, acidic aza-acetalizations of aromatic aldehydes with 2-(N-substituted aminomethyl) phenols35,36, and electrooxidative cyclization of hydroxyamino compounds37. According to literature, the multicomponent reaction of formaldehyde, β-naphthol and amine 1° were done in the present of a catalyst such as ZrOCl238, 1-benzyl-3-methyl imidazolium hydrogen sulfate [bnmim] [HSO4]39, PEG-40040, alum (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O)41, Thiamin hydrochloride (VB1)42 and Cl3CCOOH43.

Herein, we report an eco-friendly protocol for the synthesis of naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines in the presence of Fe3O4@nano-almondshell@OSi(CH2)3/NHCH2pyridine/CuII, abbreviated, FNAOSiPAMP/CuII, as a new natural-based green catalyst via the reaction of β-naphthol, primary amines and formaldehyde.

General

Chemicals were purchased from Merck, Fluka, and Aldrich Chemical Companies. The electrical mortar-heater was prepared from Borna- Kherad Co., Iran, Yazd. 1H NMR (400 MHz) and 13C NMR (100 MHz) spectra were obtained by a Bruker (DRX-400, Avance), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra recorded by ATR method on a Brucker (EQUINOX 55) spectrometer. Melting points were found on a B¨uchi B-540 instrument. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra was obtained by a Philips Xpert MPD diffractometer equipped with a Cu Kα anode (k = 1.54 Å, radiation at 0 kV and 0 mA) in the 2θ range from 10° to 80°. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) (MIRA 3 TESCAN) and TEM (CM120) apparatus was used for recording of FESEM and TEM images. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM, Meghnatis Daghigh Kavir Co. Kashan Kavir, Iran) was used for measurements of magnetic property of catalyst. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) and maps of catalyst were recorded by MIRA II Detector SAMX. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was done using SDT Q600 V20.9 Build 20 instrument. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was recorded by AGILENT 7500 apparatus.

Experimental

Synthesis of nano-almond shell

Firstly, 5 g of almond shell was well powdered and reacted with 80 ml of 17.5% NaOH solution under reflux conditions for 24 h. Then, almond shell was filtered and washed with distilled water. It was then bleached with 20 ml of sodium hypochlorite solution and 60 ml of distilled water under reflux conditions for 2 h. Subsequently, the almond shell was filtered and washed well with distilled water. The obtained almond shell powder was added to 80 ml of the 35% sulfuric acid aqueous solution and heated under reflux condition for 6–7 h. The resulting suspension was diluted with water and centrifuged many times to obtain the resulting nano-almond shell.

Synthesis of Fe3O4@nano-almond shell

7 G (0.026 mol) of FeCl3·6H2O and 2.6 g (0.0130 mol) of FeCl2·4H2O were added to a mixture of 2 g nano-almondshell and 200 mL 0.05 M acetic acid and mixed for 4 h at 80 °C. Then, 12 mL of 25% NH4OH was added drop wise into the obtained mixture. After 0.5 h stirring, by using an external magnet, the obtained Fe3O4@nano-almondshell as a black solid (3 g) was separated, washed with water, dried at 80 °C and stored.

Synthesis of Fe3O4@ nano-almondshell@OSi(CH2)3Cl

1G of Fe3O4@nano-almondshell and 3 ml 3-chloropropyl trimethoxysilane were dissolved in 10 ml chloroform. The reaction mixture was heated under reflux condition for 4 h. Then, the obtained precipitate was separated with external magnet, washed with dichloromethane and dried at room temperature.

Synthesis of Fe3O4@nano-almondshell@OSi(CH2)3/NHCH2pyridine (FNAOSiPAMP)

0.5G of nano-Fe3O4@almondshell @OSi(CH2)3Cl and (1 mmol, 0.1 mL) 2-aminomethylpyridine were dissolved in 5 ml dimethylformamide and heated for 24 h at 80 °C. Then the obtained precipitate was filtered, washed with dichloromethane and dried at room temperature.

Synthesis of Fe3O4@nano-almondshell@OSi(CH2)3/NHCH2pyridine/CuII (FNAOSiPAMP/CuII)

0.5G of nano-Fe3O4@almondshell @OSi(CH2)3/NHCH2pyridine and (1 mmol, 0.17 g) of CuCl2 were dissolved in 5 ml methanol and stirred for 1 h. Then, the solid product was filtered, washed with methanol and dried.

Synthesis of naphtho[1,2-e][1,3] oxazines

In an electrical mortar-heater vessel, amine 1° (1.0 mmol), formaldehyde 37% (2.0 mmol), β-naphthol (1.0 mmol) and FNAOSiPAMP/CuII (0.04 g) were charged and ground at room temperature for determined time. Finally, the obtained mixture was poured in hot ethanol (3 mL) and the catalyst was separated by using an external magnet. Then, cold water was added to residue and the obtained solid product was filtered, washed with water and dried at room temperature.

Test of hot filtration and metal leaching

To study the leaching of (FNAOSiPAMP/CuII), a hot filtration test was done. For hot filtration test, we have run a model reaction in the presence of catalyst. After ten minutes, the catalyst was removed from reaction mixture by an external magnet. The remained mixture was stirred for 15 min. The progress of reaction was not of observed and shown no leaching of catalyst in this protocol.

Spectral data for selected compounds

3-Phenyl-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 1, 4a)

White solid, m.p. 45–47 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm−1): 3057, 1623, 1597, 1496, 1376, 1230, 941, 747; 1H NMR (Acetone-d6, 400 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.89 (d, 1H, 3 J = 8.4 Hz, Ar–H), 7.85 (d, 1H, 3 J = 8 Hz, Ar–H), 7.73 (d, 1H, 3 J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.53–7.57 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.38–7.42 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.23–7.28 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 7.04 (d, 1H, 3 J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 6.87–6.91 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 5.54 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 5.06 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N). (See SI, Fig. S1-S3).

3-(4-Bromophenyl)-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 2, 4b)

White solid, m.p. 118–119 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm-1): 3070, 2978,1622, 1590, 1487, 1371, 1223, 933, 808; 1H NMR (Acetone-d6, 400 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.84 (t, 2H, 3 J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.71 (d, 1H, 3 J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.52 (t, 1H, 3 J = 8.4 Hz, Ar–H), 7.37–7.40 (m, 3H, Ar–H), 7.20 (d, 2H, 3J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.01 (d, 1H, 3 J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 5.51 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 5.03 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N); (See SI, Fig. S4, S5).

3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 3, 4c)

White solid, m.p. 103–104 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm−1): 3307, 1622, 1593, 1491, 1369, 1224, 810; 1H NMR (Acetone-d6, 400 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.84 (t, 2H, 3J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.71 (d, 1H, 3J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.53 (t, 1H, 3J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.38 (t, 1H, 3J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H), 7.24–7.29 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 7.02 (d, 1H, 3J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 5.51 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 5.03 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N); (See SI, Fig. S6, S7).

3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 4, 4d)

Brown solid, m.p. 78–79 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm−1): 1623, 1596, 1508, 1467, 1229, 1156, 1032, 943, 805; 1H NMR (Acetone-d6, 400 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.80–7.82 (m, 2H, Ar–H), 7.70 (d, 1H, 3J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.51 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.36 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.13 (d, 2H, 3J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.00 (d, 1H, 3J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 6.80 (d, 2H, 3 J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 5.42 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 4.93 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N), 3.68 (s, 3H, O–CH3); (See SI, Fig. S8, S9).

3-(4-Methyl phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 5, 4e)

Cream solid, m.p. 84–85 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm−1): 1625, 1599, 1513, 1227, 936, 807; 1H NMR (Acetone-d6, 400 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.82 (t, 2H, 3J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.69 (d, 1H, 3J = 8.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.51 (t, 1H, 3J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H), 7.36 (t, 1H, 3J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H), 6.99–7.04 (m, 3H, Ar–H), 7.09–7.11 (m, 2H, Ar–H), 5.52 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 5.02 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N), 2.24 (s, 3H, CH3–Ar); (See SI, Fig. S10, S11).

3-Cyclohexyl-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 6, 4f.)

Brown solid, m.p. 254 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm-1): 2927, 2852, 1624, 1599, 1433, 1263, 1058, 862; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 500 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.66–7.81 (m, 3H, Ar–H), 7.48 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.35 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 6.98 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 4.99 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 4.33 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N), 2.70 (m, 1H, CH–N), 1.08–1.86 (m, 10H, 5CH2); (See SI, Fig. S12, S13).

3-Butyl-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 7, 4 g)

White solid, m.p. 170 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm-1): 2955, 2861, 1624, 1598, 1468, 1226, 1057; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 500 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.81 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.69 (m, 2H, Ar–H), 7.47 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.35 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.00 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 4.88 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 4.25 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N), 2.69 (m, 2H, –CH2–N), 1.53 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.31 (m, 2H, CH2), 0.87 (m, 3H, CH3); 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz)/δ ppm: 13.80, 19.80, 29.64, 46.94, 50.84, 81.81, 112.08, 118.25, 121.31, 123.26, 126.45, 127.57, 128.32, 128.37, 131.54, 151.51 (See SI, Fig. S14-S16).

3-Hexyl-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 8, 4 h)

Cream solid, m.p. 182–183 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm−1): 2927, 2855, 1625, 1598, 1468, 1226, 1058; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 500 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.80 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.68 (m, 2H, Ar–H), 7.47 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.34 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.00 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 4.87 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 4.25 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N), 2.68 (m, 2H, –CH2–N), 1.53 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.25 (m, 6H, 3CH2), 0.84 (m, 3H, CH3); 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 125 MHz)/δ ppm: 14.77, 22.98, 27.23, 28.38, 32.02, 47.87, 52.09, 82.71, 112.97, 119.14, 122.18, 124.13, 127.32, 128.46, 129.21, 129.28, 132.44, 152.42 (See SI, Fig. S17-S19).

3-(5-Chloro-2-methyl phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 9, 4i)

White solid, m.p. 151–152 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm−1): 2918, 1623, 1591, 1470, 1266, 1058; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.87 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.79 (m, 2H, Ar–H), 7.52 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.41(m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.12 (m, 3H, Ar–H), 7.07 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 5.28 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 4.76 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N), 2.5 (m, 2H, –CH2–N), 2.40 (m, 2H, CH2); (See SI, Fig. S20-S21).

3-(4-Ethyl phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 10, 4j)

Brown solid, m.p. 48–49 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm−1): 2959, 1597, 1511, 1436, 1224, 1060; 1H NMR (Acetone-d6, 400 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.80–7.85 (m, 2H, Ar–H), 7.69–7.71 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.50–7.55 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 7.35–7.40 (m, 1H, Ar–H), 6.99–7.14 (m, 5H, Ar–H), 5.49 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 5.00 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N), 2.49–2.54 (m, 2H, –CH2–CH3), 1.15 (t, 3H, 3J = 7 Hz, –CH2–CH3); (See SI, Fig. S22-S23).

3-(2-Chlorobenzyl)-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 11, 4 k)

Brown solid, m.p. 72–73 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm−1): 1621, 1596, 1429, 1227, 1057; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 500 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.07–7.82 (m, 10H, Ar–H), 4.95 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 4.27 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N), 4.00 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N); 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz)/δ ppm: 46.82, 52.56, 81.94, 111.73, 118.33, 121.26, 123.42, 126.46, 127.23, 127.85, 128.39, 128.50, 128.90, 129.35, 130.61, 131.54, 133.23, 135.81, 151.41 (See SI, Fig. S24-S26).

3-Benzyl-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 12, 4l)

White solid, m.p. 143–144 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm-1): 2943, 1623, 1596, 1462, 1219, 1057, 738; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 500 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.05–7.71 (m, 11H, Ar–H), 4.89 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 4.22 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N), 3.89 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N); 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz)/δ ppm: 46.55, 55.17, 81.55, 111.67, 118.32, 121.15, 123.37, 126.57, 127.19, 127.76, 128.34, 128.39, 128.49, 128.59, 131.53, 138.33, 151.41 (See SI, Fig. S28-S30).

3-(2-Bromobenzyl)-2,4-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine (Table 2, entry 13, 4m)

Brown solid, m.p. 120–122 °C; FT-IR (ATR) ῡ (cm−1): 2880,1623, 1597, 1507, 1476, 1229,1070; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz)/δ ppm: 7.91 (t, 2H, 3J = 9.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.72 (d, 1H, 3J = 9.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.59(t, 1H, 3 J = 8.4 Hz, Ar–H), 7.42 (m, 3H, Ar–H), 7.24(d, 2H, 3J = 9.2 Hz, Ar–H), 7.03(d, 1H, 3J = 9.2 Hz, Ar–H), 5.36 (s, 2H, O–CH2–N), 4.86 (s, 2H, –Ar–CH2–N); (See SI, Fig. S31, S32).

Results and discussion

In this research, we have prepared FNAOSiPAMP/CuII catalyst via a simple procedure that shown in Fig. 1. After identify the properties of catalyst by FT-IR, FESEM, TEM, EDS, ICP, MAPPING, VSM, TGA and XRD, we have introduced an efficient and eco-friendly protocol for the synthesis of naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine derivatives in the presence of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII catalyst.

Figure 1
figure 1

Graphical representation of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII synthesis.

Characterization of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII

FT-IR analysis

Figure 2 shows the FT-IR spectra of nano-almond shell (a), Fe3O4 (b), Fe3O4@nano-almondshell (c), Fe3O4@nano-almondshell@OSi(CH2)3Cl (d), FNAOSiPAMP (e) and FNAOSiPAMP/CuII (f). The bands at 3400 cm−1 in all spectra (a–f) and 2924 cm−1 in (a, c, d, e and f) spectra, are attributed to O–H and C–H stretching vibration. The band at 1629 cm−1 in all spectra (a–f) shows bending vibration of O–H band. The band at 1455 cm−1 in (a, c, d, e and f) spectra shows CH2 bending vibration. The band at 1116 cm−1 in (d, e, f) spectra and 1056 cm−1 in (a, c, d, e and f) spectra shows stretching vibration od Si–O and C–O bands, respectively. The broad band nearly 600 cm−1 in (b–f) spectra shows Fe/O group. The broad band at 3200 cm-1 in (f) spectrum is attributed to N–H stretching vibration which is bonded to CuII.

Figure 2
figure 2

FT-IR spectra of (a) almondshell, (b) Fe3O4 , (c) Fe3O4@nano-almondshell, (d) Fe3O4@nano-almondshell@OSi(CH2)3Cl, (e) FNAOSiPAMP, (f) FNAOSiPAMP/CuII.

A comparison between FTIR of fresh and used catalyst shows no any leaching of catalyst under reaction condition (Fig. 3.).

Figure 3
figure 3

FT-IR spectrum of (A) fresh FNAOSiPAMP/CuII, (B) used FNAOSiPAMP/CuII.

XRD analysis

Figure 4 shows the XRD patterns of Fe3O4 and FNAOSiPAMP/CuII, in 10°–80°. In XRD spectrum of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII, in addition of Fe3O4 signals (2θ = 30°, 35°, 43°, 53°, 57°and 63°), 2θ = 21° shown the existence of almondshell.

Figure 4
figure 4

XRD patterns of, (a) FNAOSiPAMP/CuII, (b) Fe3O4.

FESEM and TEM imaging

Figure 5 represents the result of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII to investigate its particle size and surface morphology. This images indicates that FNAOSiPAMP/CuII nanoparticles have average size below 30 nm. The presence of spherical particles with nano dimensions in the catalyst increases the contact surface between the catalyst and the raw materials and increases the speed of the reaction.

Figure 5
figure 5

(a) FESEM and (b) TEM image of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII.

VSM analysis

Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used for the study magnetic property of catalyst at 300 °K (Fig. 6). This experiment approves the superparamagnetic property of catalyst which can be efficiently separated from reaction medium with an external magnet.

Figure 6
figure 6

Magnetization loops of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII.

EDX and ICP analysis

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy EDS (EDX) analysis was applied for the identification of elements in FNAOSiPAMP/CuII (Fig. 7). The EDX data confirmed the existence of C, N, O, Fe, elements in the catalyst. For approve no any leaching of catalyst under reaction condition, the EDX of fresh and used catalyst were shown in Fig. 7.

Figure 7
figure 7

EDX patterns of (a) fresh FNAOSiPAMP/CuII, (b) used FNAOSiPAMP/CuII.

To finding the weight percentages of Cu and Fe in catalyst structure we have used ICP-MS. According to obtained data, the weight percentages of Cu and Fe are 3% and 15%, respectively.

TG analysis

TG analysis was performed to study thermal stability of the FNAOSiPAMP/CuII in 30°–300° (Fig. 8). The first endothermic weight loss (3–4%, at 50°–100°) was attributed to removal of catalyst humidity. Subsequently, the decomposition of almondshell, caused the second weight loss (15%) at 200°–300°.

Figure 8
figure 8

Thermal gravimetric analysis pattern of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII.

Mapping analysis

The elemental mapping of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII was shown in Fig. 9 which confirmed homogeneous distribution of N, O, C, Fe, Si and Cu in catalyst.

Figure 9
figure 9

Elemental mapping images of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII.

Study of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII catalytic activity in the synthesis of naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines

Following the successful characterization, the catalytic activity of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII was investigated by synthesizing biological active naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines. To optimize the reaction conditions, the one-pot multicomponent reaction of formaldehyde, aniline and β-naphthol was studied in various conditions (Table 1). In conclusion, the best condition of this reaction was obtained using 0.04 g of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII, solvent-free and room temperature conditions (Table 1, entry 10).

Table 1 The reaction of formaldehyde, β-naphthol and aniline in the presence of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII under various conditions.

According to above modified condition, we have synthesized various derivatives of naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine using different amines, β-naphthol and formaldehyde with good to excellent yields in short reaction times (Table 2).

Table 2 Synthesis of naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines derivatives 4a-m by using various aniline derivatives, formaldehyde and β-naphthol in the presence of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII.

According to ICP data, the amount of CuII in catalyst is 3%. We have used 0.04 g of catalyst for 1 mmol of substrate (benzaldehyde). Thus 0.04 g of catalyst is containing of 1.2 × 10–3 g of CuII and equal to 1.88 × 10–5 mol of CuII. Thus, TON and TOF of catalyst are equal to 52.6 and 2.10638 min−1, respectively.

The reusability of the magnetic nano-catalyst was examined in model reaction for four times. The result showed no considerable decrease of catalytic activity (Fig. 10). Meanwhile, no decomposition of catalyst in the reaction medium was confirmed by study of the reused catalyst FT-IR spectrum.

Figure 10
figure 10

Catalyst recycling experiments.

Figure 11 shows the our proposed mechanism for synthesis of naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines in the presence of FNAOSiPAMP/CuII. CuII activates the carbonyl group in formaldehyde and then Mannich type condensation of the amine (1) and the formaldehyde (2) gives imine (3). In the next step, the β-naphthol attackes to the imine (3) to form intermediate (4) which condenses with the second molecule of formaldehyde to form intermediate (5). Then, by an intramolecular cyclization, the naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine is synthesized.

Figure 11
figure 11

Proposed mechanism for the synthesis of naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines.

Conclusions

In summary, this work introduces that FNAOSiPAMP/CuII as an effective novel catalyst promote a versatile, simple and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines. This novel ecofriendly procedure for synthesis of naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine has many advantages such as simplicity, easy workup, reusability of catalyst, high yields and solvent-free reaction conditions of which turn it into a suitable alternative for the naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines synthesis.