Microwave-assisted and scandium triflate catalyzed synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen-11-ones

Abstract

Synthesis of 12-aryl-8,9,10,12-tetrahydro-benzo[a]xanthen-11-ones was achieved by one-pot condensation of β-naphthol, substituted benzaldehydes, and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds catalyzed by Sc(OTf)3 under microwave irradiation in excellent isolated yields. The catalyst was recycled up to four cycles with no appreciable loss in catalytic activity. The compounds were evaluated for Src kinase activity and anticancer activity.