One-pot access to new tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen-11-ones and naphthopyranopyrimidines using 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene

A one-pot, three-component reaction of 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene, aromatic aldehydes, and cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of formic acid catalyst under solvent-free conditions provides access toward a new class of tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen-11-ones and naphthopyranopyrimidines. The scope of the process was explored under two different reaction conditions resulting in the generation of title compounds in high yields. Moreover, the key advantages of this process are cost effectiveness of catalyst, short reaction times, easy workup, and purification of products by nonchromatographic methods.