Solvent-Free Synthesis of 1,8-Dioxo-octahydroxanthenes and 14-Aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes using Saccharin SulfonicAcid as an Efficient and Green Catalyst

Saccharin sulfonic acid (SaSA) is utilized as a highly efficient, green and inexpensive sulfonic acid-containing catalyst for the following one-pot multi-component organic transformations: (i) the condensation of dimedone (2 eq.) with aromatic aldehydes (1 eq.) leading to 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes, and (ii) the reaction of 2-naphthol (2 eq.) with arylaldehydes (1 eq.) leading to 14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes. In these protocols, the title compounds are produced in high to excellent yields and in relatively short reaction times under solvent-free conditions.