Mahboobeh Zahedifar

Increasing attention for environmental protection has led to attempts to develop a chemical process with maximum yield and minimum cost whilst using non-toxic reagents, solvents, and catalysts. One tool used to combine economic aspects with the environmental ones is the multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy; this process consists of two or more synthetic steps that are carried out without isolation of any intermediate thus reducing time, saving money, energy and raw materials.1 Heterogeneous catalysts are interested in MCRs due to the simple separation from the reaction mixture. Reusability and eco-friendly processes are the most important factor for the catalysts. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers such as cellulose and its derivatives are suitable alternatives in serving on the catalytic field.2-3 In connection our interest in the application of new catalysts in organic synthesis via MCRs.4-5 Herein, we described an efficient synthesis of pyrazoloquinoline derivatives via a green one-pot multi-component reaction of 3-aminopyrazolone, aromatic aldehydes and 1,3-cyclohexadione by using cell/3API/HCl as a catalyst at room temperature in water as a green solvent (Scheme 1).