Introduction

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an emerging alternative to ionic liquids and organic solvents have a brilliant breakthrough in many scientific areas1,2,3,4. Low vapor pressure, tunable physiochemical properties, high polarity, biodegradability, greener and excellent catalytic activity of DESs are usually highlighted5,6,7,8. Recently, DESs linked to heterogeneous supports, as a new subclass of heterogeneous systems, have a creating and implementing beneficial and neoteric chemical transformations9,10,11. DESs have applied for modification of the surface of some materials such as magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), metal organic frameworks (MOFs), silicates, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), biopolymers and etc.12,13,14,15,16. So, it can be said that these compounds are the forefront of post-synthetic modifications17. In this respect, nanomagnetic supported DESs (MDESs) is oriented toward fundamental and synthesis researches. MDESs due to easy reusing and recoverability and workup simplicity create an ingenious insight in many academic and industrial areas18,19,20,21. These materials have significant potentials and applications in several outlines including solar cells22, electrochemistry23, redox flow batteries24, supercapacitors25, biosensors26 and chemical separation processes27. Also, due to the simultaneous presence of acidic and basic functional groups and response to external magnetic field, MDESs are a prosperous assortment as sustainable media as well as catalysts in many of organic transformations such as coupling reactions28,29,30 and multi-component reactions31,32. Recently, there are several studies from catalytic applications of MDESs in multi-component reactions33,34,35. A number of catalytic applications of DESs in multi-component reactions are sketched in below (Fig. 1)33,36,37,38,39,40.

Figure 1
figure 1

A number of catalytic applications of DESs in multi-component reactions.

Despite extensive research on magnetic nanoparticles, these particles are still being researched by scientists due to their unique features and capabilities. These particles have the ability to be a suitable substrate for connecting organic groups. Magnetic nanoparticles have unique properties such as low toxicity, low cost, high magnetic property, compatibility with the environment, high surface area, chemical stability41,42,43.

These particles are used as sensors, absorption of organic substances (paints, pharmaceuticals, etc.), water disinfection, wastewater treatment, as well as in the field of biomedicine and cancer treatment44,45.

Another prominent application of magnetic nanoparticles is their usage as catalysts, which attracted a lot of attention among scientists due to their availability, easy recovery, and reusability46,47. Photocatalysis, oxidation/reduction reactions, multi-component reactions, photoelectrochemical catalysis, coupling reactions and chiral catalysis are examples of catalytic applications of MNPs48,49,50. Therefore, immobilizing catalytically active species on magnetic substrates while maintaining or improving their activity also allows for easy separation. For this reason, these catalytic systems are superior to homogeneous systems.

Molecular hybridization due to its compositional characterization is an interesting structural modification approach which are including of the incorporation of two or more pharmacophores into a single molecule51,52. The unique performance of hybrid heterocycles is based on the recognition of pharmacophoric moieties in two or more biologically active molecules which preserved or promoted pre-selected properties of the original templates52,53. Hybrid pyridines as distinguished scaffolds of heterocyclic compounds not only are extensively present in pharmaceutical active molecules, agricultural compounds and functional materials54,55,56,57,58 but also are one of the most top-selling drugs and can serve as treatment of Alzheimer’s diseases59, anticancer60 and antihypertensive61. Intriguingly, hybrid molecules bearing pyridine, indole and sulfonate moieties have exceptional potential in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry such as antioxidant, antiapoptosis, antidyslipidemia, antitumorigenic, antiinflammatory and can enhance the stability and solubility of drugs62,63,64,65,66,67. A number of biologically active hybrid molecules bearing pyridine, indole and sulfonate moieties are sketched in Fig. 2.

Figure 2
figure 2

A number of biologically active hybrid molecules.

In this investigation, after synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl, pyridines with indole and/or sulfonate moieties were synthesized in the presence of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl via a multi-component reaction strategy68,69 (Figs. 3, 4). Also, a cooperative vinylogous anomeric-based oxidation pathway was suggested as plausible mechanism for the synthesis of new hybrid pyridines70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84.

Figure 3
figure 3

General procedure for the synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl.

Results and discussion

A literature survey shows that in heterocyclic chemistry as a significant category of organic chemistry, pyridine plays as same as benzene in the concept of aromaticity. On the other hand, hybrid pyridines are the most heterocycle molecules which have been used for various purposes such as medicinal drugs, agricultural adducts, dyes, polymers etc.85,86,87,88. Therefore, development of hybrid pyridines is one of our main research interests. With this aim, herein we wish to report a new catalytic system for preparation of new hybrid pyridines with aryl, indole and sulfonate moieties.

Figure 4
figure 4

Synthesis of hybrid pyridines bearing indole and/or sulfonate moieties by using Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl as catalyst.

After synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl, we focused on the precise characterization of its structure. Firstly, FT-IR spectrum of catalyst were investigated (Fig. 5). According to FT-IR spectrum of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl, the clear peak of C=O is appeared at 1665 cm−1. The vibrational modes of Fe–O, Si–O and NH groups are respectively shown at 655, 1084 and 3240 cm−1. Moreover, the broad peak about of 3200 cm−1 confirmed the existence of hydroxy group of Ch-Cl and free hydroxy groups in the surface of Fe3O4.

Figure 5
figure 5

FT-IR spectrum of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand /Ch-Cl.

Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis was recorded to check the morphology of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand /Ch-Cl. According to relevant images (Fig. 6), catalyst has a spherical and uniform shapes and its size is in the range of nanometers. Also, TEM analysis was investigated to confirm the formation of the catalyst with spherical morphology and the presence of organic layers on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles is well confirmed (Fig. 7).

Figure 6
figure 6

FESEM images Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl.

Figure 7
figure 7

TEM images of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl.

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was used for the examination of expected elements within the catalyst structure. As predicted, the elements of C, N, O, Fe, Cl and Si are presented in the structure of desired catalyst (Fig. 8). In addition, elemental mapping analysis shows how the elements are dispersed and confirmed the existence of abovementioned expected elements in the structure of catalyst (Fig. 9).

Figure 8
figure 8

EDS analysis diagram of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl.

Figure 9
figure 9

Elemental mapping analysis of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl.

For investigation of magnetic properties of target catalyst, VSM technique was performed for Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl. According to revealed results, the saturation magnetization of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl is about 27 emu/g which is enough for the easy separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture (Fig. 10).

Figure 10
figure 10

Magnetization curves of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl.

Thermal stability is another important factor for MDES systems. Therefore, we investigated the thermal stability of the catalyst by using TGA/DTG analysis (Fig. 11). When the catalyst is exposed to the thermal conditions up to 600 °C, two main weight losses are observed at temperatures 255 and 443 °C. The poor weight losses below 110 °C is related to removing of trapped solvents and the significant weight losses at 255 °C is related to decomposition of organic layers. Therefore, it can be said that the catalyst is thermally stable up to this temperature. In an overview, the decrease in the weight of the catalyst by 30.59% indicates the presence of a significant amount of organic ligand on the Fe3O4 surface.

Figure 11
figure 11

TGA/DTG curves of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl.

At the outset of the synthesis of hybrid pyridines, benzaldehyde, 4-acetylphenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate, malononitrile and ammonium format were chosen as model substrates for multi-component synthesis of pyridine derivatives. At the first, the reaction conducted in the presence of different amounts of catalyst such as 5, 10 and 20 mg. Also, the model reaction was tested in the absence of any catalyst. Anyway, the best result was obtained by using 10 mg of catalyst. Subsequent study on the effect of the temperature parameter displayed that 110 °C is the most suitable temperature to provide activation energy for the model reaction. After that, for the investigation of solvent effect, the model reaction was performed in several formal polar and nonpolar solvents and also, solvent free conditions. Nonetheless, due to high yield and low toxicity of reaction and simplicity of work up, solvent free conditions were chosen as proper conditions. More details are given in the Table 1. The bold values indicates the optimal reaction conditions.

Table 1 Optimization of reaction conditions for synthesis of 1aa.

In a separate study, the model reaction was performed in the presence of formal homogeneous DESs. For this purpose, several selected homogeneous DESs was prepared89,90,91,92,93,94 and were used as catalyst for the model reaction. Distinguishingly, these materials have a good response to the synthesis of target molecule and all of products have a relatively good yield (Table 2). Nevertheless, devoid of suitable recycling and reusing of the catalyst in homogeneous systems is one of the defecting of these systems, while Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl as heterogeneous catalyst can easily recycled and reused.

Table 2 Investigation of catalytic performance of selected homogeneous DESs upon model reaction for 1aa.

For the validation of the importance of target catalyst, the model reaction was also performed in the presence of relative intermediates of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl and some of formal catalysts such as Lewis acids, protic acids, hydrogen bond and basic catalysts. Using Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl as catalyst gave the best yield. It goes without saying that using of urea, thiourea and K2CO3 as catalyst have relatively good yield. Nevertheless, these catalysts do not have the ability to recycle and reuse, which are the basic capabilities of a complete catalyst. (Table 3).

Table 3 Comparative investigation of catalytic performance of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl and its relative intermediates as well as some known catalysts upon model reaction for 1aa.

In a comparative and precise study, for the investigation of the ability of ammonium format as reagent, we used several ammonium sources including ammonium format, ammonium acetate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium florid, ammonium dichromate, ammonium chloride and ammonium nitrate upon model reaction. According to revealed results (Table 4), ammonium format revealed better performance for the synthesis of 1a molecule.

Table 4 Comparison of different ammonium sources as reagent upon model reaction for 1aa.

Based on the in-hand results of optimization reactions, the generality of the reaction for synthesis of various hybrid pyridines was investigated. For this purpose, variety of aromatic aldehydes with electron-poor or electron-rich aryl groups, three different methyl ketones bearing indole or sulfonate groups and malononitrile or 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile were applied for the synthesis of hybrid pyridine derivatives. The tolerance of the reaction to diverse starting materials displayed the broad application scope of the present route in the synthesis of complex hybrid pyridines (Table 5).

Table 5 Synthesis of hybrid pyridines with indole and sulfonate moieties by using Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand /Ch-Cla.

Based on our knowledge from the synthesis of hybrid pyridine rings, we suggested a plausible mechanism for the synthesis of 2c (Fig. 12). At the first step, the carbonyl functional group of 4-acetylphenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate is activated with catalyst and reacted with ammonia (arisen from thermal dissociation of ammonium format) and via a tautomerization process gives intermediate A. In another part of the reaction, aldehyde was activated by the catalyst and by a condensation reaction with 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile yields Knoevenagel intermediate (B). Subsequently, intermediate A was reacted with intermediate B and then via a tautomerization process, intermediate C was formed. Then, intermediate C undergoes intramolecular cyclization to gives intermediate D. In the next step, this intermediate undergoes a H2O removing process which leads the formation of intermediate E. Finally, molecular H2 (inert conditions) or H2O2 (air conditions) was released based on a cooperative vinylogous anomeric-based oxidation (CVABO)70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84 to yields target molecule 2c.

Figure 12
figure 12

The plausible mechanism for the synthesis of 2c.

Magnetic substrates serve as ideal systems in recoverable catalysts and investigation of recycling and reusing potential of nanomagnetic catalyst is very important. Therefore, we examined the recycling and reusing ability of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl for the synthesis of 1a which leads to acceptable results. After running and performing each of reactions, the mixture of reaction was dissolved in CH2Cl2 and insoluble catalyst was separated from the reaction mixture and washed with CH2Cl2 (3 \(\times\) 10 mL) and air dried. This work was conducted five times without significant reduction in yield of the reaction (Fig. 13). In addition, FT-IR spectrum was used for investigation the stability of recovered catalyst (See ESI).

Figure 13
figure 13

Diagram of recycling and reusing of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl in the synthesis of 1a.

Experimental section

Experimental procedure for the synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl

At the first, Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand was synthesized according to our previous report70,71,72,73,74,75,76. Then, in a 100 mL round-bottomed flask 1 g of Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand and choline chloride (6 mmol, 0.837 g) and 100 mL of toluene as solvent were added and was refluxed for 24 h. After completing of reaction, the desired catalyst was separated by using external magnet and washed with n-hexane and EtOH several times and dried in air condition.

General experimental route for the synthesis of hybrid pyridine derivatives

In 10 mL round-bottomed flask methyl ketones (1 mmol), aromatic aldehydes (1 mmol), malononitrile (1 mmol, 0.066 g) or 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile (1 mmol, 0.184 g), ammonium format (1.5 mmol, 0.094 g) and 10 mg of catalyst were added and the mixture of reaction was stirred at 110 °C for appropriate times as indicated in Table 2. The progress of reactions was monitored by TLC techniques (n-hexane/ethylacetate, 6/4). After completing of each reaction, the mixture of reaction was dissolved in CH2Cl2 and the catalyst was separated from organic mixture. Then, each of products was purified by TLC plate techniques with n-hexane/ethyl acetate.

Spectral data

4-(6-Amino-5-cyano-4-phenylpyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (1a)

M.P. 131–133 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3489, 3367, 2209, 1597, 1493, 1091. 1H NMR (250 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 8.10 (d, J = 10 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.73 (d, J = 10 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.65–7.62 (m, 2H, Aromatic), 7.52–7.43 (m, 5H, Aromatic), 7.23 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.15–7.03 (m, 4H, Aromatic and NH2), 2.39 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 161.2, 157.5, 155.5, 150.7, 146.4, 137.0, 130.70, 130.10, 129.40, 129.2, 128.8, 122.7, 117.4, 109.8, 87.4, 21.6. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C25H19N3O3S: 441.5, found: 441.3.

4-(6-Amino-5-cyano-4-(p-tolyl)pyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (1b)

M.P. 250–251 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3508, 3391, 2922, 2206, 1367, 1153. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 8.14 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.78 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.59 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.50 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.37 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.25 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.15 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.04 (s, 2H, NH2), 2.43 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.41 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 161.3, 157.5, 155.5, 150.7, 146.4, 140.0, 137.1, 134.4, 131.7, 130.8, 129.8, 129.4, 128.8, 128.7, 122.7, 117.5, 109.7, 87.3, 21.7, 21.4. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C26H21N3O3S: 455.5, found: 455.2.

4-(6-Amino-5-cyano-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (1c)

M.P. 270–273 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3447, 3390, 2925, 2206, 1608, 1515, 1368, 1153. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 8.14 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.79 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.67 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.50 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.26 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.17 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.14 (s, 2H, Aromatic), 7.11 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.01 (s, 2H, NH2), 3.86 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 161.4, 161.0, 157.4, 155.1, 150.6, 146.4, 140.9, 137.2, 131.7, 130.8, 130.4, 129.4, 128.8, 122.7, 117.7, 114.6, 109.6, 87.2, 55.9, 21.7. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C26H21N3O4S: 471.5, found: 471.2.

4-(4-([1,1'-Biphenyl]-4-yl)-6-amino-5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (1d)

M.P. 175–176 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3502, 3402, 2205, 1366, 1154. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 8.17 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.88 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.81–7.77 (m, 5H, Aromatic), 7.56–7.44 (m, 5H, Aromatic), 7.35 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.17 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (s, 2H, NH2), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 161.3, 157.6, 155.1, 150.7, 146.5, 141.9, 139.7, 137.1, 136.3, 131.7, 130.8, 129.6, 129.5, 129.5, 128.8, 128.5, 127.4, 127.3, 122.7, 117.5, 109.8, 87.3, 21.7. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C31H23N3O3S: 517.6, found: 517.3.

4-(6'-Amino-5'-cyano-[3,4'-bipyridin]-2'-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (1e)

M.P. 255–258 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3442, 3373, 2925, 2213, 1369, 1153. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 8.88 (dd, J = 3, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 8.75 (dd, J = 6, 3 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (m, 2H), 8.12 (m, 1H, Aromatic), 7.97 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.79 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.61 (ddd, J = 7.9, 4.8, 0.9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.50 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.18 (s, 2H, NH2), 7.15 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3). MS (m/z) = calcd. for C24H18N4O3S: 442.5, found: 442.2.

4-(6'-Amino-5'-cyano-[3,4'-bipyridin]-2'-yl)phenyl benzenesulfonate (1f)

M.P. > 300 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3426, 3317, 3168, 2212, 1642, 1448, 1354, 1152. 1H NMR (250 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 8.84–8.80 (m, 1H, Aromatic), 8.70 (d, J = 5 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 8.13 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.92–7.79 (m, 3H, Aromatic), 7.69–7.66 (m, 3H, Aromatic), 7.60–7.54 (m, 1H, Aromatic), 7.34 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.20–7.11 (m, 4H, Aromatic and NH2). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 161.0, 157.8, 151.0, 149.1, 136.6, 136.5, 135.6, 132.1, 130.8, 130.3, 129.5, 128.7, 124.0, 122.7, 119.1, 117.1, 116.1, 109.9, 87.4. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C23H16N4O3S: 428.5, found: 428.3.

4-(6-Amino-5-cyano-[4,4'-bipyridin]-2-yl)phenylbenzenesulfonate (1g)

M.P. 200–201 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3442, 3291, 3170, 2216, 1375, 1153. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSO) δppm 8.75 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.94 (dd, J = 6, 1.3 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.74–7.65 (m, 8H, Aromatic), 7.23 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.03 (s, 2H, NH2). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 154.5, 150.5, 150.2, 149.2, 147.6, 145.2, 136.8, 135.7, 134.8, 131.1, 130.5, 128.7, 123.7, 122.8, 118.7, 95.6. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C23H16N4O3S: 428.5, found: 428.4.

4-(6-Amino-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (1h)

M.P. 110–111 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3489, 3373, 3168, 2918, 2213, 1370, 1153. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 8.13 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.77 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.68–7.65 (m, 1H, Aromatic), 7.53–7.48 (m, 5H, Aromatic), 7.23 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.20–7.13 (m, 4H, Aromatic and NH2), 2.43 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 160.1, 157.5, 153.8, 150.8, 146.5, 136.8, 136.5, 131.7, 131.4, 131.1, 130.8, 130.2, 129.4, 129.1, 128.8, 128.0, 122.8, 116.4, 110.3, 89.3, 21.7. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C25H18ClN3O3S: 475.9, found: 475.2.

4-(6-Amino-5-cyano-4-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)pyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (1i)

M.P. 120–121 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3485, 3376, 2925, 2213, 1502, 1447, 1371, 1153. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 8.12 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.88 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.77 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.63 (dd, J = 9, 3 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.57 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.50 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.25 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.21 (s, 2H, NH2), 7.15 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 2.43 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 160.5, 157.7, 152.7, 150.8, 146.5, 136.7, 135.5, 135.3, 133.0, 132.5, 131.7, 130.8, 129.7, 129.4, 128.8, 128.3, 122.8, 116.3, 110.2, 89.1, 21.7. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C25H17Cl2N3O3S: 510.4, found: 510.3.

4-(6-Amino-5-cyano-4-(3-fluorophenyl)pyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (1j)

M.P. 135–138 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3475, 3382, 2211, 1615, 1447, 1369, 1153. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 8.16 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.79 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.59 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.55 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.51–7.49 (m, 3H, Aromatic), 7.43–7.37 (m, 1H, Aromatic), 7.32 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.17 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.14–7.13 (m, 3H, Aromatic and NH2), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 164.1, 161.2, 157.8, 154.1, 150.8, 146.5, 139.5, 139.4, 136.9, 131.7, 130.8, 129.5, 128.8, 125.1, 122.7, 117.2, 116.8, 116.1, 115.7, 109.9, 87.4, 21.7. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C25H18FN3O3S: 459.5, found: 459.2.

4-(6-Amino-4-(4-bromophenyl)-5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (1k)

M.P. 140–141 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3479, 3380, 2923, 2213, 1594, 1492, 1370, 1153. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 8.14 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.78 (d, J = 6 Hz, 4H, Aromatic), 7.65 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.50 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.29 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.17–7.12 (m, 4H, Aromatic, NH2), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 161.2, 157.7, 154.4, 150.7, 146.5, 137.0, 136.4, 132.2, 131.7, 131.0, 130.8, 129.5, 128.8, 123.8, 122.7, 117.2, 116.2, 109.7, 87.2, 21.7. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C25H18BrN3O3S: 520.4, found: 521.1.

4-(5-Cyano-6-(1H-indol-3-yl)-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (2a)

M.P. 160–161 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3396, 2928, 2223, 1374, 1168. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 11.92 (s, 1H, NH), 8.34 (d, J = 9 Hz, 4H, Aromatic), 7.90 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.82 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.59–7.56 (m, 2H, Aromatic), 7.54–7.48 (m, 3H, Aromatic), 7.28– 7.23 (m, 5H, Aromatic), 7.17 (t, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 158.6, 157.2, 157.0, 156.6, 153.6, 150.9, 146.5, 137.1, 136.9, 131.8, 130.9, 129.6, 128.9, 128.7, 126.4, 126.2, 123.1, 122.9, 121.7, 121.3, 121.2, 118.9, 118.0, 113.3, 112.6, 112.3, 104.3, 56.1, 21.7. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C34H25N3O4S: 571.6, found: 571.3.

4-(5-Cyano-6-(1H-indol-3-yl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (2b)

M.P. 170–172 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3402, 2900, 2211, 1368, 1153. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 11.89 (s, 1H, NH), 8.38–8.32 (m, 4H, Aromatic), 7.94 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.84–7.80 (m, 4H, Aromatic), 7.58–7.50 (m, 4H, Aromatic), 7.27 (d, J = 9 Hz, 3H, Aromatic), 7.19 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 3.89 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.45 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 161.1, 158.0, 157.2, 155.3, 150.9, 146.5, 137.2, 136.8, 131.8, 131.0, 130.8, 129.7, 129.3, 128.8, 126.5, 123.1, 122.9, 121.7, 121.3, 119.6, 116.9, 114.7, 113.4, 112.6, 102.1, 55.9, 21.7. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C34H25N3O4S: 571.6, found: 571.3.

4-(4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-cyano-6-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (2c)

M.P. 188–189 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3362, 2922, 2213, 1596, 1433, 1365, 1150. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 11.90 (s, 1H, NH), 8.39–8.32 (m, 4H, Aromatic), 7.98 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.88–7.81 (m, 4H, Aromatic), 7.71 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.58 (d, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.51 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.28–7.24 (m, 4H, Aromatic), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3). MS (m/z) = calcd. for C33H22ClN3O3S: 576.1, found: 576.2.

4-(5-Cyano-4-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-6-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyridin-2-yl)phenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (2d)

M.P. 205–206 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3424, 2221, 1619, 1432, 750. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 12.00 (s, 1H, NH), 8.39– 8.34 (m, 4H, Aromatic), 8.00 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.95 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.82 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.71 (s, 2H, Aromatic), 7.58 (d, J = 6 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.51 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.29–7.26 (m, 4H, Aromatic), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 162.3, 157.5, 152.7, 151.1, 146.5, 136.9, 135.6, 135.2, 133.2, 132.9, 131.8, 130.8, 129.7, 129.2, 128.8, 128.4, 126.3, 123.2, 121.8, 121.5, 118.2, 117.5, 113.1, 112.7, 103.4, 21.7.

4-(4-Bromophenyl)-2,6-di(1H-indol-3-yl) nicotinonitrile (3a)

M.P. 135–137 °C, 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 11.94 (s, 1H, NH), 11.82 (s, 1H, NH), 8.63 (d, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 8.53 (d, J = 3 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 8.37 (d, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 8.30 (d, J = 3 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.90 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.85 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.78 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.61 (d, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.54 (d, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.32–7.20 (m, 3H, Aromatic), 7.10 (t, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic). 13C NMR (76 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 158.4, 158.1, 152.6, 137.8, 136.9, 132.1, 131.5, 129.9, 128.7, 126.5, 125.8, 123.6, 122.8, 122.6, 121.9, 121.1, 120.8, 119.7, 115.8, 115.3, 114.1, 112.5, 98.8. MS (m/z) = calcd. for C28H17BrN4: 489.4, found: 489.1.

4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2,6-di(1H-indol-3-yl) nicotinonitrile (3b)

M.P. 115–120 °C, FT-IR (KBr, υ, cm−1): 3391, 2959, 2217, 731. 1H NMR (301 MHz, DMSOd6) δppm 11.92 (s, 1H, NH), 11.81 (s, 1H, NH), 8.61 (d, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 8.53 (d, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 8.34 (d, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 8.28 (d, J = 6 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.90 (s, 1H, Aromatic), 7.86 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.71 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H, Aromatic), 7.59 (d, J = 6 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.52 (d, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic), 7.30–7.16 (m, 3H, Aromatic), 7.09 (t, J = 9 Hz, 1H, Aromatic). MS (m/z) = calcd. for C28H17ClN4: 444.9, found: 444.2.

Conclusion

In summary, we reported the design, synthesis and characterization of a new heterogeneous catalytic system namely [Fe3O4@SiO2@urea-riched ligand/Ch-Cl]. The revealed results from characterization of this compound such as FT-IR, FESEM, TEM, EDS-Mapping, TGA/DTG and VSM analysis show its successful synthesis. This system has an excellent catalytical potential for synthesis of hybrid pyridines containing sulfonate or indole sections. In this method several starting materials were used for the synthesis of hybrid pyridine rings which yield divers products in mild reaction conditions. Besides, cooperative vinylogous anomeric-based oxidation pathway was suggested as a rational mechanism for the synthesis of hybrid pyridine (Supplementary Information S1).