DABCO Catalyzed Synthesis of Xanthene Derivatives in Aqueous Media

The reaction of 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione with various heteroarylaldehydes afforded the corresponding heteroaryl substituted xanthene derivatives 1(a-f). The reaction proceeds via the initial Knoevenagel, subsequent Michael, and final heterocyclization reactions using 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) as a catalyst in aqueous media. The synthesized heteroaryl substituted xanthenes 1(a-f) reacted with malononitrile to obtain different alkylidenes 2(a-f). Short reaction time, environmentally friendly procedure, avoiding of cumbersome apparatus, and excellent yields are the main advantages of this procedure which makes it more economic than the other conventional methods.