Microwave-assisted multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromene derivatives using ilmenite (FeTiO3) as a magnetic catalyst under solvent-free conditions

A green and highly efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromene derivatives in the presence of FeTiO3 as magnetic catalyst via one-pot three-component condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and α- or β-naphthol without solvent under microwave irradiation. Mild reaction conditions, short reaction times, simple work-up, use of an economically convenient catalyst, and excellent product yields are the advantageous features of this method. The catalyst can be easily recovered by a simple magnetic separation and can be recycled six times with no significant loss of catalytic activity.