Zn(L‐proline)2 as an efficient and reusable catalyst for the multi‐component synthesis of pyran‐annulated heterocyclic compounds

Abstract

We have developed a simple, straightforward and highly efficient multi‐component one‐pot synthesis of 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4H‐pyrans and pyran‐annulated heterocyclic compounds. Zn(L‐proline)2 has been utilized as a mild and efficient Lewis acid catalyst for the three‐component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and enolizable C‐H acids or activated phenols to synthesize pyran‐annulated scaffolds. 3‐Methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one, 4‐hydroxycoumarine, dimedone, 4‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐2‐pyrone, resorcinol, 1‐naphthol and 2‐naphthol were used as activated C‐H acids. The products were isolated in high yields via vacuum filtration and without using any chromatography. The Zn(L‐proline)2 was recovered and reused in another reaction (three times) without significant loss of activity.