One-pot synthesis of xanthones from 2-nitrobenzyl alcohol and phenol catalyzed by Cu(OTf)2-1,10-phenanthroline†

In this paper, we present an efficient and straightforward one-pot synthesis of xanthones in high yield (88%). The reaction employs a Cu(OTf)₂-1,10-phenanthroline complex as the catalyst and 2-nitrobenzyl alcohol and phenol as the substrates. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, providing a convenient approach for the formation of xanthones, which are valuable compounds in medicinal chemistry and materials science. This work not only broadens the synthetic scope of xanthones but also highlights the feasibility of carrying out substitution reactions of nitro groups on aromatic hydrocarbons.