Microwave-assisted synthesis of 1,3-benzodioxole derivatives from catechol and ketones or aldehydes

An efficient synthetic procedure for the preparation of a diverse library of 1,3-benzodioxoles was developed by applying controlled microwave heating in comparison with currently available conventional heating. Reactions were completed in less than 3 h. The isolation of product is simple, the isolated yields are good to excellent, and this method is applicable to large scale production.