A new role for concentrated solar radiation (CSR) as a renewable heat source for the catalyst-solvent free synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran scaffolds

Abstract

Increased energy consumption as a result of population growth and industrialization necessitates the use of renewable energy sources in the field of chemistry. Nonrenewable energy sources release not only greenhouse gases but also other hazardous pollutants that are damaging to all living things. This plainly mandates the researchers' use of a renewable energy source that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. This study shows that a renewable energy source (sunlight) can be used to synthesize tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran scaffolds using the Knoevenagel–Michael cyclocondensation of aldehyde derivatives, malononitrile, and dimedone via a three-condensation domino reaction. This research establishes a new role for solar energy as a renewable energy source for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran scaffolds under catalyst-solvent-free conditions, with outstanding yields, shorter reaction time, and great atom economy. This cyclization may also be done on a gram scale with free, safe, and clean energy from concentrated solar radiation (CSR), indicating the reaction's potential for industrial applications.