Abstract

L-proline catalyzed one-pot three-component condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and naphthols proceeded in EtOH to afford corresponding 2-amino-4H-chromenes in high to excellent yields at reflux conditions. The protocol found to be fairly general and the catalyst was reused in subsequent reactions with consistent activity. Moreover, this method offers several advantages including high to excellent yields of products as well as a simple experimental, work-up procedure and product separation without further purification with column chromatography which makes it a useful and attractive process for the synthesis of these compounds.

Keywords: L-proline, Aldehydes, Malononitrile, naphthols, Multi-Component Reaction, chromenes