Efficient and convenient synthesis of 1,8-dioxodecahydroacridine derivatives using Cu-doped ZnO nanocrystalline powder as a catalyst under solvent-free conditions

A simple and convenient one-step method for synthesis of acridines and their derivatives from condensation of aromatic aldehydes, cyclic diketones, and aryl amines using Cu-doped ZnO nanocrystalline powder as a catalyst is reported. The present protocol provides several advantages such as good yields, short reaction time, easy workup, and simplicity in operation.

Synthesis of N-substituted acridinediones and polyhydroquinoline derivatives in refluxing water

Acridinediones were synthesized by the one-pot Hantzsch condensation of an aromatic aldehyde, 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione, and aniline/4-methylaniline in refluxing water. This method has then been extended to the four-component reaction of an aromatic aldehyde, 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione, ethyl acetoacetate and ammonium acetate for the synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives. This is an environmentally friendly and efficient procedure providing good to excellent yields.