Synthesis of 4-Aryl-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-3,4,5,6,7,8- hexahydrocoumarins in Water

Abstract

A practical chemistry route to the synthesis of 4-aryl-7,7-dimethyl-5- oxo-3,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydrocoumarins from 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadion, isopropylidene malonate and aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by benzyltriethyl-ammonium bromide (BTEAB) in water is described. This method provides several advantages such as simple workup procedure, mild reaction conditions and environment friendly. In addition, water was chosen as a green solvent.