Tamarind water catalyzed improved synthesis of 2,2ʹ-arylmethylene bis(3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one) derivatives: A green approach

Abstract

The reaction of 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione (dimedone) with various aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by tamarind water produces 2,2ʹ-arylmethylenebis(3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one) derivatives in 85-98% yield under water bath heating at 60°C. Xanthene derivatives as cyclized products have not been obtained by this procedure. This method provides several advantages such as environmental friendliness, high yields and simple work-up procedure. The product is purified by simple filtration followed by crystallization with ethanol and drying processes.