Application of a novel, efficient and recyclable photo redox catalyst (Zn–Al layered double hydroxide/eosin) for the synthesis of substituted pyridine derivatives under visible light irradiation

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a class of anionic clays with brucite‐like layers and interlayer anions and varying in composition and morphology. LDHs show potential as supports for the immobilization of catalytically active species, to synthesize recyclable catalysts, in which catalytic sites can be preferentially orientated, highly dispersed and stabilized to afford high catalytic efficiency and recyclability in reaction media. Redox active organic dyes such as eosin Y with strong absorption in the visible region of the spectrum have been successfully used. In this work, an intercalated photo redox catalyst (Zn–Al LDH/eosin) was synthesized by co‐precipitation of an aqueous solution of zinc nitrate and aluminium nitrate simultaneously with eosin Y as anionic dye. Zn–Al LDH/eosin as a recyclable catalyst was used in the reaction of various aryl ketones and benzylamines under molecular oxygen and visible light, giving good yields of substituted pyridines at room temperature. Also, the Zn–Al LDH/eosin catalyst could be reused three times without any significant changes in the reaction yields.