One-pot synthesis of benzoquinoline and coumarin derivatives using Meldrum's acid in three-component reactions

A series of 1-aryl-1,2-dihydrobenzo[f]quinolin-3(4H)-one derivatives and 4-aryl-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-3,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydrocoumarin derivatives have been synthesized by one-pot multicomponent reaction of Meldrum's acid with benzaldehyde, naphthalene-2-amine, or cyclohexanedione in PEG-400. The method has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, good yields, and easy processing, and is environmentally benign.