Novel solid-supported dimerization–heteroannulation of chalcones: simple and efficient synthesis of 2,4,6-triaryl-3-methylarylpyridines

2,4,6-Triaryl-3-methylarylpyridines were obtained, in 60–70% yield, by a novel one-pot solventless solid-supported dimerization–heteroannulation reaction of chalcones and compounds possessing terminal –CONH2 functionality, at 125–135 °C, using immobilized Bi(III) nitrate and Zn(II) chloride as co-catalyst. Initially, chalcones were prepared, in nearly quantitative yield, by a modified aldol condensation, in neutral aqueous medium, in the presence of p-toluenesodium sulfonate.