p-TSA-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of novel 7-aryl-6H-benzo[h][1,3]dioxolo[4,5-b]xanthene-5,6(7H)-diones in ethanol

A one-pot, three-component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, and 3,4-methylenedioxyphenol has been reported for the synthesis of novel 7-aryl-6H-benzo[h][1,3]dioxolo[4,5-b]xanthene-5,6(7H)-diones using environmentally benevolent para-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA) as the catalyst. This methodology provides a mild and fast route to diverse pyran derivatives in moderate to good yields.