ABSTRACT
In the last decade, the emphasis on green chemistry has increased significantly and many new methodologies have been introduced for the synthesis of various natural product-inspired bioactive heterocycles. The use of nanocatalysts (NCs) has been part of greener synthesis; NCs made from cheaper transition metals can achieve many reactions, such as functional group transformation, annulation, carbon–carbon (C–C) bond formation and carbon–hydrogen (C–H) activation. Previously, these reactions were feasible with transition metals but not in nano quantities, which is required in the mg to gm level without the recycling benefits. Therefore, NCs that are environmentally benign, cost-effective, and reusable have been a major boost in catalysis. This chapter will incorporate recent advances (2014–2020) toward the synthesis of bioactive heterocycles with the use of cheaper transition metal NCs (e.g., iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu)).
