An efficient and more sustainable one-step continuous-flow multicomponent synthesis approach to chromene derivatives

Abstract

A simple and rapid one-step continuous-flow synthesis route has been developed for the preparation of chromene derivatives from the reaction of aromatic aldehydes, α-cyanomethylene compounds, and naphthols. In this contribution, a one-step continuous-flow protocol in a ThalesNano H-Cube Pro™ has been developed for the preparation of these chromene derivatives. This arises from the multicomponent one-step reaction of aromatic aldehydes, α-cyanomethylene compounds, and naphthols. This flow protocol was optimized in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, which is a more environmentfriendly solvent. The faster residence times (<2 min) coupled with elevated pressure (~25 bar) results in an efficient, safer, faster, and modular reaction. Results obtained illustrate that this base-catalyzed reaction affords the respective chromene derivative products in very high yields. The products can then be easily purified by recrystallization, if desired.