A magnetic metal-organic framework, gamma-Fe2O3@SiO2/IRMOE-3, has been prepared and characterized. This magnetically separable catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity for the synthesis of cyclohexenone derivatives by reaction of aldehyde and acetoacetanilide under solvent-free conditions. The protocol has several advantages in terms of superior efficiency, high yield, the short reaction time, mild and environmentally benign conditions. Magnetic COF catalyst can also be conveniently recycled and recycled through additional external magnets, showing greater interest in practical applications. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.