An efficient and regioselective N-alkylation of 4(3H)-pyrimidone with various electrophiles in the presence of Fe nano particle is reported. The catalyst initiates N-alkylation of amides by alkyl chlorides. The reaction of equimolar 4(3H)-pyrimidone and 2-chloro-3-(chloromethyl)quinolines in the presence of KOH and Fe nano particle (5 mol %) in DMSO solution under reflux condition formed 3-[(2-chloroquinolin-3-yl]methyl)pyrimidin-4(3H)ones. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.