One-pot synthesis of 4-aryl-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-3,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydrocoumarin derivatives in glycerol

Glycerol is a new green organic solvent. It not only acts as a phase transfer catalyst but also as a recyclable solvent by significantly enhancing the intramolecular cyclization. A series of 4-aryl-7,7 -dimethyl-5-oxo-3,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydrocoumarin derivatives were synthesized by one-pot multicomponent reaction of Meldrum’s acid with benzaldehyde, and cyclohexanedione in glycerol. Compared to classic methods, this method has the advantages of milder reaction conditions, good yields, easy processing and environmental benignity.