# Novel ZrOCl2·8H2O-Catalysed One-Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of 9,10-Dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one Derivatives

Authors: Mohammad Reza Poor Heravi; Mahsa Ahmadinejad; Bakhshali Masoumi; Kamelia Nejati
Journal: Organic Chemistry International
 (2013)

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## Abstract

A simple and efficient protocol for the synthesis of highly substituted xanthenes is developed through the condensation ofβ-naphthol, aldehydes, and cyclic 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione with zirconium oxychloride octahydrate as a catalyst via multicomponent condensation strategy. The present method gives good to excellent yields of substituted 9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one derivatives.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Xanthenes and benzoxanthenes are biologically important drug intermediates. They are cited as active oxygen hetero-cycles possessing antibacterial. Research on xanthenes, especially benzoxanthenes, has emerged in organic synthesis due to their wide range of biological and therapeutic properties like antiviral [1], antibacterial [2], and anti-inflammatory activities [3], as well as in photodynamic therapy [4] and as antagonists of the paralyzing action of zoxazolamine [5]. Xanthenes are also available from natural sources. Popularly known, Santalin pigments have been isolated from a number of plant species [6]. Furthermore, due to their useful spectroscopic properties, they are used as dyes [7], in laser technologies [8], and in fluorescent materials for visualization of biomolecules [9]. Many procedures are disclosed to synthesize xanthenes and benzoxanthenes like cyclodehydrations [10], trapping of benzynes by phenols [11], alkylations of hetero atoms [12], and cyclocondensations between 2-hydroxy aromatic aldehydes and 2-tetralone [13]. Benzaldehydes and acetophenones bearing tethered carbonyl chains underwent the intermolecular phenyl-carbonyl coupling reactions in the presence of samarium diiodide and hexamethylphosphoramide to afford xanthenes [14]. In addition, 14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes and related products are prepared by reaction of β-naphthol with form amide [15], 1-hydroxy methyl-naphthalen-2-ol [16], and carbon monoxide [17].Initially, we investigated the condensation reaction ofβ-naphthol, benzaldehyde, and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione using different Lewis acids catalysts and conditions such as La(OTf)3, ZnCl2, AlCl3, and Sr(OTf)3 [18]. However, many of these reagents or catalysts are expensive, harmful, and difficult to handle especially on a large scale.


## 2. Experimental

### 2.1. Materials and Instruments

All reagents were purchased from Merck. Aldehydes were distilled before use. Melting points were determined using a Linkman HF591 heating stage, used in conjunction with a TC92 controller, and re-uncorrected. NMR spectra were recorded using either a Brucker DRX500 machine at room temperature.1H, 13C NMR, and 19F NMR spectra were measured using DMSO-d6 as solvent. CHN analyses were performed on Exeter Analytical Inc. Model C-400 CHN Analyzer. Mass spectra were obtained using a Micromass LCT machine in ES or EI mode. Infrared spectra were measured on a Perkin Elmer Paragon 100 FT-IR spectrometer. All the reactions were monitored by TLC using 0.25 mm silica gel plates (Merck 60F254) UV indicator.


### 2.2. Typical Procedure for Synthesis of 99,9-Dimethyl-12-phenyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one(4a)

A mixture ofβ-naphthol (1.0 mmol), benzaldehyde (1.1 mmol), and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione was added to zirconium oxychloride octahydrate (0.2 mmol) in ethanol (2 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for the given times (Table 2). The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction water was added and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 × 10 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO4) and evaporated, and the crude product was purified by column chromatography by using ethyl acetate and hexane (7 : 3) to provide the pure product. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and dried at 100°C to recover the catalyst for subsequent use.


### 2.3.  Selected Spectra

9,9-Dimethyl-12-phenyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4a). White crystals mp 202-203°C; yield: 97%; FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3062, 3023, 2953, 1647, 1550, 1443, 1367, 1234; 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.1 (3H, s, CH3), 1.26 (3H, s, CH3), 2.23 (2H, dd, 1J = 4.0 Hz, 2J = 17.0 Hz), 2.57 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 5.67 (1H, s, CH), 7.04 (1H, t, J = 7.5 Hz, Ar–H), 7.13 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.35–7.40 (5H, m, Ar–H), 778 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.99 (1H, d, Ar–H). 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 26.1, 28.3, 28.7, 31.2, 33.7, 40.4, 49.9, 113.2, 116.0, 116.6, 122.6, 123.8, 125.2, 125.9, 127.2, 127.2, 127.3, 127.3, 127.8, 130.4, 130.4, 143.7, 146.7, 162.8, 195.9; (EI) found: M+, 354.1632, C25H22O2 requires M+, 354.1611; LRMS m/z (EI): 354 (M+, 70%), 277 (M-C6H5, 65%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 84.87; H, 6.31. Calcd for C25H22O2: C, 84.72; H, 6.26.12-(4-Fluorophenyl)-9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4i). White crystals mp 196-197°C, yield: 97%; FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3053, 3028, 2953, 1640, 1583, 1435, 1373, 1228; 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.18 (3H, s, CH3), 1.33 (3H, s, CH3), 2.31 (2H, dd, 1J = 3.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 2.64 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 5.23 (1H, s, CH), 7.32 (1H, t, J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H), 7.52 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.62–7.76 (5H, m, Ar–H), 8.14 (2H, t, J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H); 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 26.1, 28.3, 28.7, 31.2, 33.7, 40.4, 49.9, 113.2, 116.0, 116.6, 122.6, 123.8, 125.2, 125.9, 127.2, 127.2, 127.3 (d, J2CF = 14.98 Hz, C-3), 127.8 (d, J1CF = 250.32 Hz, C-4), 130.4, 130.4, 143.7, 146.7, 162.8, 195.9; 19F NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): −64.19; (EI) found: M+, 372.2103, C25H21FO2 requires M+, 372.1503; LRMS m/z (EI): 372 (M+, 45%), 277 (M-(4-FC6H5), 75%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 80.71; H, 5.72. Calcd for C25H21FO2: C, 80.62; H, 5.68.12-(2-Fluorophenyl)-9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4j)
. White crystals mp 231-232°C; yield: 95%. FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3073, 3056, 2906, 1662, 1534, 1423, 1372, 1230, cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.18 (3H, s, CH3), 1.29 (3H, s, CH3), 2.11 (2H, dd, 1J = 3.0 Hz, 2J = 18.0 Hz), 2.31 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 5.06 (1H, s, CH), 7.08 (1H, t, J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H), 7.32 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.59–7.83 (5H, m, Ar–H), 8.14 (2H, t, J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H); 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 25.4, 27.8, 29.1, 30.2, 35.3, 42.2, 48.2, 112.7, 115.2, 117.4, 121.7, 124.2, 125.8, 126.6, 127.8, 127.9, 129.5 (d, J2CF = 14.95 Hz, C-3), 130.2 (d, J1CF = 251.76 Hz, C-2), 131.8, 136.5, 140.5, 148.5, 161.9, 193.6; 19F NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): −73.23; (EI) found: M+, 372.3110, C25H21FO2 requires M+, 372.1503; LRMS m/z (EI): 372 (M+, 35%), 277 (M-(2-FC6H5), 84%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 80.71; H, 5.72. Calcd for C25H21FO2: C, 80.62; H, 5.68.9,9-Dimethyl-12-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4k). White crystals mp 227-228°C; yield: 97%.; FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3098, 3043, 2923, 1673, 1555, 1465, 1343, 1223, cm−1. 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.31 (3H, s, CH3), 1.52 (3H, s, CH3), 2.27 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 16.0 Hz), 2.43 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.0 Hz), 5.43 (1H, s, CH), 7.20 (1H, t, J = 7.5 Hz, Ar–H), 7.43 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.59–7.83 (5H, m, Ar–H), 8.14 (2H, t, J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H); 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 25.1, 28.3, 29.5, 32.9, 34.4, 46.3, 49.1, 110.9, 116.1, 119.2, 123.4, 124.7, 125.2, 126.1, 127.2, 127.3, 128.3, 130.2, 131.8, 133.3, 135.35 (q, J1CF = 251.9 Hz, CF3), 136.5, 140.5, 148.5, 161.9, 193.6; 19F NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): −112.32; (EI) found: M+, 422.2130, C26H21F3O2 requires M+, 422.1523; LRMS m/z (EI): 422 (M+, 25%), 277 (M-(4-CF3C6H5), 72%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 80.05; H, 5.23. Calcd for C26H21F3O2: C, 73.92; H, 5.01.12-([1,1
′
-Biphenyl]-4-yl)-9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4l).  White crystals mp 214-215°C; yield: 91%; FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3086, 3039, 2909, 1680, 1543, 1436, 1352, 1231, cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.27 (3H, s, CH3), 1.39 (3H, s, CH3), 2.10 (2H, dd, 1J = 3.0 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 2.28 (2H, dd, 1J = 3.0 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 5.08 (1H, s, CH), 7.11 (3H, m, Ar–H), 7.42 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.21 (2H, t,J = 7.5 Hz, Ar–H), 7.42 (1H, t, Ar–H), 7.59–7.83 (5H, m, Ar–H), 8.14 (2H, t, J = 7.5 Hz, Ar–H); 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 23.7, 24.9, 27.9, 31.3, 32.4, 41.3, 43.4, 110.7, 113.3, 116.6, 120.3, 121.3, 121.9, 122.4, 123.5, 125.3, 126.8, 129.1, 129.9, 130.2, 130.0, 131.4, 132.0, 133.8, 134.2, 135.6, 141.6, 145.6, 146.7, 168.5, 192.1; (EI) found: M+, 430.2109, C31H26O2 requires M+, 422.1523; LRMS m/z (EI): 430 (M+, 15%), 277 (M-(C6H5C6H4), 63%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 86.32; H, 5.98. Calcd for C31H26O2: C, 86.48; H, 6.09.12-(Furan-2-yl)-9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4o). White crystals mp 245-246°C; yield: 97%; FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3060, 3046, 2943, 1672, 1539, 1482, 1362, 1231, cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.24 (3H, s, CH3), 1.35 (3H, s, CH3), 2.36 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 2.42 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 5.26 (1H, s, CH), 7.21 (1H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, Furyl–H), 7.33 (1H, t, J = 7.5 Hz, Furyl–H), 7.42 (1H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, Furyl–H), 7.5. 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 23.2, 24.4, 28.8, 29.6, 32.5, 40.2, 46.2, 114.9, 116.2, 119.4, 121.7, 124.2, 125.8, 126.6, 127.8, 127.9, 129.5, 131.8, 136.5, 140.5, 148.5, 161.9, 193.6; (EI) found: M+, 344.1911, C23H20O3 requires M+, 344.1421; LRMS m/z (EI): 344 (M+, 34%), 267 (M-(Furyl), 48%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 80.33; H, 5.63, 5.98. Calcd for C23H20O3: C, 80.21; H, 5.85.


## 2.1. Materials and Instruments

All reagents were purchased from Merck. Aldehydes were distilled before use. Melting points were determined using a Linkman HF591 heating stage, used in conjunction with a TC92 controller, and re-uncorrected. NMR spectra were recorded using either a Brucker DRX500 machine at room temperature.1H, 13C NMR, and 19F NMR spectra were measured using DMSO-d6 as solvent. CHN analyses were performed on Exeter Analytical Inc. Model C-400 CHN Analyzer. Mass spectra were obtained using a Micromass LCT machine in ES or EI mode. Infrared spectra were measured on a Perkin Elmer Paragon 100 FT-IR spectrometer. All the reactions were monitored by TLC using 0.25 mm silica gel plates (Merck 60F254) UV indicator.


## 2.2. Typical Procedure for Synthesis of 99,9-Dimethyl-12-phenyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one(4a)

A mixture ofβ-naphthol (1.0 mmol), benzaldehyde (1.1 mmol), and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione was added to zirconium oxychloride octahydrate (0.2 mmol) in ethanol (2 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for the given times (Table 2). The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction water was added and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 × 10 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO4) and evaporated, and the crude product was purified by column chromatography by using ethyl acetate and hexane (7 : 3) to provide the pure product. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and dried at 100°C to recover the catalyst for subsequent use.


## 2.3.  Selected Spectra

9,9-Dimethyl-12-phenyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4a). White crystals mp 202-203°C; yield: 97%; FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3062, 3023, 2953, 1647, 1550, 1443, 1367, 1234; 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.1 (3H, s, CH3), 1.26 (3H, s, CH3), 2.23 (2H, dd, 1J = 4.0 Hz, 2J = 17.0 Hz), 2.57 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 5.67 (1H, s, CH), 7.04 (1H, t, J = 7.5 Hz, Ar–H), 7.13 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.35–7.40 (5H, m, Ar–H), 778 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.99 (1H, d, Ar–H). 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 26.1, 28.3, 28.7, 31.2, 33.7, 40.4, 49.9, 113.2, 116.0, 116.6, 122.6, 123.8, 125.2, 125.9, 127.2, 127.2, 127.3, 127.3, 127.8, 130.4, 130.4, 143.7, 146.7, 162.8, 195.9; (EI) found: M+, 354.1632, C25H22O2 requires M+, 354.1611; LRMS m/z (EI): 354 (M+, 70%), 277 (M-C6H5, 65%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 84.87; H, 6.31. Calcd for C25H22O2: C, 84.72; H, 6.26.12-(4-Fluorophenyl)-9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4i). White crystals mp 196-197°C, yield: 97%; FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3053, 3028, 2953, 1640, 1583, 1435, 1373, 1228; 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.18 (3H, s, CH3), 1.33 (3H, s, CH3), 2.31 (2H, dd, 1J = 3.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 2.64 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 5.23 (1H, s, CH), 7.32 (1H, t, J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H), 7.52 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.62–7.76 (5H, m, Ar–H), 8.14 (2H, t, J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H); 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 26.1, 28.3, 28.7, 31.2, 33.7, 40.4, 49.9, 113.2, 116.0, 116.6, 122.6, 123.8, 125.2, 125.9, 127.2, 127.2, 127.3 (d, J2CF = 14.98 Hz, C-3), 127.8 (d, J1CF = 250.32 Hz, C-4), 130.4, 130.4, 143.7, 146.7, 162.8, 195.9; 19F NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): −64.19; (EI) found: M+, 372.2103, C25H21FO2 requires M+, 372.1503; LRMS m/z (EI): 372 (M+, 45%), 277 (M-(4-FC6H5), 75%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 80.71; H, 5.72. Calcd for C25H21FO2: C, 80.62; H, 5.68.12-(2-Fluorophenyl)-9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4j)
. White crystals mp 231-232°C; yield: 95%. FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3073, 3056, 2906, 1662, 1534, 1423, 1372, 1230, cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.18 (3H, s, CH3), 1.29 (3H, s, CH3), 2.11 (2H, dd, 1J = 3.0 Hz, 2J = 18.0 Hz), 2.31 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 5.06 (1H, s, CH), 7.08 (1H, t, J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H), 7.32 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.59–7.83 (5H, m, Ar–H), 8.14 (2H, t, J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H); 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 25.4, 27.8, 29.1, 30.2, 35.3, 42.2, 48.2, 112.7, 115.2, 117.4, 121.7, 124.2, 125.8, 126.6, 127.8, 127.9, 129.5 (d, J2CF = 14.95 Hz, C-3), 130.2 (d, J1CF = 251.76 Hz, C-2), 131.8, 136.5, 140.5, 148.5, 161.9, 193.6; 19F NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): −73.23; (EI) found: M+, 372.3110, C25H21FO2 requires M+, 372.1503; LRMS m/z (EI): 372 (M+, 35%), 277 (M-(2-FC6H5), 84%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 80.71; H, 5.72. Calcd for C25H21FO2: C, 80.62; H, 5.68.9,9-Dimethyl-12-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4k). White crystals mp 227-228°C; yield: 97%.; FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3098, 3043, 2923, 1673, 1555, 1465, 1343, 1223, cm−1. 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.31 (3H, s, CH3), 1.52 (3H, s, CH3), 2.27 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 16.0 Hz), 2.43 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.0 Hz), 5.43 (1H, s, CH), 7.20 (1H, t, J = 7.5 Hz, Ar–H), 7.43 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.59–7.83 (5H, m, Ar–H), 8.14 (2H, t, J = 8.0 Hz, Ar–H); 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 25.1, 28.3, 29.5, 32.9, 34.4, 46.3, 49.1, 110.9, 116.1, 119.2, 123.4, 124.7, 125.2, 126.1, 127.2, 127.3, 128.3, 130.2, 131.8, 133.3, 135.35 (q, J1CF = 251.9 Hz, CF3), 136.5, 140.5, 148.5, 161.9, 193.6; 19F NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): −112.32; (EI) found: M+, 422.2130, C26H21F3O2 requires M+, 422.1523; LRMS m/z (EI): 422 (M+, 25%), 277 (M-(4-CF3C6H5), 72%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 80.05; H, 5.23. Calcd for C26H21F3O2: C, 73.92; H, 5.01.12-([1,1
′
-Biphenyl]-4-yl)-9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4l).  White crystals mp 214-215°C; yield: 91%; FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3086, 3039, 2909, 1680, 1543, 1436, 1352, 1231, cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.27 (3H, s, CH3), 1.39 (3H, s, CH3), 2.10 (2H, dd, 1J = 3.0 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 2.28 (2H, dd, 1J = 3.0 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 5.08 (1H, s, CH), 7.11 (3H, m, Ar–H), 7.42 (2H, t, Ar–H), 7.21 (2H, t,J = 7.5 Hz, Ar–H), 7.42 (1H, t, Ar–H), 7.59–7.83 (5H, m, Ar–H), 8.14 (2H, t, J = 7.5 Hz, Ar–H); 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 23.7, 24.9, 27.9, 31.3, 32.4, 41.3, 43.4, 110.7, 113.3, 116.6, 120.3, 121.3, 121.9, 122.4, 123.5, 125.3, 126.8, 129.1, 129.9, 130.2, 130.0, 131.4, 132.0, 133.8, 134.2, 135.6, 141.6, 145.6, 146.7, 168.5, 192.1; (EI) found: M+, 430.2109, C31H26O2 requires M+, 422.1523; LRMS m/z (EI): 430 (M+, 15%), 277 (M-(C6H5C6H4), 63%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 86.32; H, 5.98. Calcd for C31H26O2: C, 86.48; H, 6.09.12-(Furan-2-yl)-9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one
(4o). White crystals mp 245-246°C; yield: 97%; FT-IR (KBr, cm−1) 3060, 3046, 2943, 1672, 1539, 1482, 1362, 1231, cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 1.24 (3H, s, CH3), 1.35 (3H, s, CH3), 2.36 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 2.42 (2H, dd, 1J = 2.5 Hz, 2J = 17.5 Hz), 5.26 (1H, s, CH), 7.21 (1H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, Furyl–H), 7.33 (1H, t, J = 7.5 Hz, Furyl–H), 7.42 (1H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, Furyl–H), 7.5. 13C NMR (CDCl3  δ ppm): 23.2, 24.4, 28.8, 29.6, 32.5, 40.2, 46.2, 114.9, 116.2, 119.4, 121.7, 124.2, 125.8, 126.6, 127.8, 127.9, 129.5, 131.8, 136.5, 140.5, 148.5, 161.9, 193.6; (EI) found: M+, 344.1911, C23H20O3 requires M+, 344.1421; LRMS m/z (EI): 344 (M+, 34%), 267 (M-(Furyl), 48%); elemental analysis: found (%): C, 80.33; H, 5.63, 5.98. Calcd for C23H20O3: C, 80.21; H, 5.85.


## 3. Results and Discussion

In continuation of our efforts towards the development of novel methodologies under green chemical approaches herein we report a mild, efficient, and facile one-pot synthesis of multisubstituted xanthen derivatives for the first time by the multicomponent reaction ofβ-naphthol, benzaldehyde, and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione using zirconium oxychloride octahydrate as a Lewis acid catalyst (Scheme 1). The side reactions were not observed in our work. However, the corresponding of (4a–j) were the major products, when ZrOCl2·8H2O was employed as the catalyst, hence, showing good chemoselectivity.Scheme 1In order to determine the most appropriate choice of catalyst and solvent system for this ZrOCl2·8H2O catalyzed synthesis of substituted xanthenes, we examined the above reaction in several catalyst amounts and solvents (Table 1). The results indicate that different solvents affected the efficiency of the reaction. Acetonitrile, nitromethane, and chloroform catalyst afforded low yields (Table 1, entries 3–5), while when water and tetrahydrofuran with were used as solvents, no products were detected (Table 1, entries 1 and 2). The use of solvents such as DMF, dichloromethane, and [bmim]BF4 could improve the yields (Table 1, entries 6–8). In particular, the reaction could be carried out under solvent-free condition and gave moderate yield (Table 1, entry 9); finally, when ethanol under reflux with 20 mol% catalyst was used, the yield increased to 92% better than any other solvents examined here. The catalytic activity of the recycled ZrOCl2·8H2O was also examined. ZrOCl2·8H2O could be reused five times for the reaction without noticeable loss of activity (Table 1, entry 11).Table 1
Screening of the catalyst and solvent for the reaction ofβ-naphthol, benzaldehyde, and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione catalyzed by ZrOCl2·8H2Oa.
Entry
Catalyst (mol%)
Solvent/condition
Time (h)
Yieldb (%)
1
20
Water/80°C
10
—
2
20
THF/Reflux
10
—
3
20
CH3CN/Reflux
10
<10
4
20
CH3NO2/Reflux
10
15
5
20
CHCl3/Reflux
10
15
6
20
DMF/80°C
10
55
7
20
CH2Cl2/Reflux
10
65
8
20
(bmim) BF4/Reflux
5
75
9
20
None/80°C
10
20
10
20
CH3CH2OH/rt
4
85
11
c
20
C
H
3
C
H
2
O
H
/Reflux
1
92, 93, 92, 92, 91
12
10
CH3CH2OH/Reflux
10
80
12
30
CH3CH2OH/Reflux
4
92
10
none
CH3CH2OH/Reflux
10
Nil
aReaction conditions: β-naphthol (1.0 mmol), benzaldehyde (1.0 mmol), and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione (1.1 mmol), zirconium oxychloride catalyst.
bIsolated yield.
cCatalyst was reused five times.Table 2
Synthesis of xanthenes in the presence of ZrOCl2·8H2O.
Entry
R
Product
Time (h)
Yielda (%)
1
C6H5
4a
1
92
2
p-CH3C6H4
4b
2
85
3
3-CH3-4-CH3-C6H3
4c
3
82
4
p-CH3OC6H4
4d
2
85
5
p-ClC6H4
4e
1
95
6
p-NO2C6H4
4f
1
96
7
o-NO2C6H4
4g
1
90
8
p-ClC6H4
4h
1
95
9
p-FC6H4
4i
0.5
97
10
o-FC6H4
4j
0.5
95
11
p-CF3C6H4
4k
0.5
97
12
p-(C6H5)C6H4
4l
1
91
13
CH3CH2
4m
4
75
14
2-Thiophene
4n
5
80
15
2-Furan
4o
5
82
aIsolated yield.In order to determine the scope of this reaction, we have synthesized differently substituted xanthenes by varying differently substituted aldehydes including both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups. It is observed that the reaction gave good yields of products with faster reaction rate when the aldehyde bearing electron-withdrawing group is used compared to the aldehydes with electron-donating groups. The corresponding results are tabulated in Table2.On the basis of the above results, this process was then extended to heterocyclic and aliphatic aldehydes. Propionaldehyde, thiophene-2-carbaldehyde, and furan-2-carbaldehyde afforded the corresponding products (4 m, 4n, 4o) in 75%, 80%, and 82% yields, respectively (Table 2, entries 13–15). Compared with aromatic aldehydes, heterocyclic or aliphatic aldehydes afforded relatively lower yields of the corresponding 4 (Table 2).A tentative mechanism for the formation of derivatives4 is proposed in Scheme 2. By referring to the literature [19], we supposed that the reaction may proceed via the ortho-quinone methides intermediate 5, which was formed by the nucleophilic addition of β-naphthol to aldehyde with ZrOCl2·8H2O. Subsequent substitution of the oxygen atom, which was coordinated by zirconium oxychloride, with 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione 1 afforded 6. Then compounds 6 eliminated one molecule of H2O and afforded title product 4. All the products were characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, IR, and mass spectra and compared with authentic samples.Scheme 2
Proposed mechanism for the condensation reaction of aldehydes,β-naphthol, and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione.


## 4. Conclusion

We have developed a one-pot multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of 9,10-dihydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one derivatives catalyzed by zirconium oxychloide in excellent yields. This method includes the use of recyclable catalyst, mild reaction conditions, easy work-up, good chemoselectivity, high yields, and cleaner reaction profiles.



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*Source: 978397-2013-09-10.xml*