ZnNaY zeolite catalysed reaction of β-dicarbonyl compounds with ethyl cyanoformate under solventless conditions

A simple and environmentally friendly procedure has been developed for the reaction of β-dicarbonyl compounds with ethyl cyanoformate. The corresponding unsaturated aminoesters were synthesised in good yields (60–95%) and excellent selectivities (96–98%) by carrying out the reaction under solventless conditions in the presence of a Zn-exchanged NaY zeolite. The catalyst can be recovered and reused.