A concise metal-free synthesis of xanthene derivatives mediated by achiral 2-aminophenol under solvent-free conditions

Abstract

An efficient green technique has been developed for the synthesis of some biologically active 12-aryl or 12-alkyl 8,9,10,12-tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthenes-11-one and 3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-3,4,5,6,7,9-hexahydro-1H-xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione derivatives have been described. This process arranged a three-component one-pot condensation of aldehydes, 2-naphthol, and dimedone mediated by 2-aminophenol and has offered an excellent scope of tailoring a large number of xanthene derivatives with good to charming yields. Short reaction time, straightforward, easy product isolation technique, non-toxic catalyst, and above all metal-free process are noteworthy advantages of this method.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Xanthene
• multicomponent reaction
• organo-catalyst
• dimedone
• β-naphthol
• 2-aminophenol
• solvent-free

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge UGC for research grants and to the Department of Chemistry, the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh for the facilities given and to the Green Chemistry Laboratory, KRICT for necessary spectral assistance.