Unlocking the Catalytic Potential of Encapsulated Metal Oxide Nanocomposites for Domino Heterocyclization of Medicinal Privileged Scaffolds

Introduction: Encapsulated metal oxide nanocomposites actively engaged in heterocy-clic transformations represent a potent and adaptable notion in catalysis. The facile derivatization of metal oxide nanocomposites by surface modification has popularized them as versatile catalysts for domino heterocyclization. Methods: With the emergence of multicomponent domino reactions (MDRs) as frontier synthetic tools for medicinally relevant heterocycles, optimally satisfying one-step syntheses is the domain of current research. Result: The search for a suitable catalyst for the domino multiple bond-forming synthesis of me-dicinal heterocyclic scaffolds has become a central evolving theme. In particular, metal oxide nano-composites have drawn considerable attention as viable catalytic alternatives to conventional ma-terials because of their facile adaptability in stabilizing functional cores or activating surfaces. Discussion: This review discusses the catalytic potential of derivatized metal oxide nanocompo-sites immobilized into or supported on various materials (metals, inorganic and organic nanocom-posites, etc.) for domino heterocyclization. Conclusion: This review highlights how the encapsulation of moieties on the surface of metal oxide nanoparticles has improved their catalytic recovery and reusability, as well as product yield, espe-cially in domino synthesis. Furthermore, this review summarizes the domino synthesis of hetero-cycles with privileged medicinal scaffolds. The present review provides new insights into designing domino protocols that utilize metal oxide nanocomposites as vital catalysts for drug discovery at the industrial level.