One-pot synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran and dihydropyrano[c]chromene derivatives in aqueous media by using trisodium citrate as a green catalyst

Jia Zheng and Yi-Qun Li

Abstract

Trisodium citrate, a natural non-toxic compound, is used as a catalyst for an efficient, rapid, one-pot synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans and dihydropyrano[c]chromenes in moderate to excellent yields and under eco-friendly conditions. The catalyst is environmental benign, easy handling, non-toxic, stable in air, inexpensive and could be reused at least five cycles without losing its activities.