Cation-exchanged resins: Efficient heterogeneous catalysts for facile synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols from one-pot, three-component condensations of amides/ureas, aldehydes, and 2-naphthal

One-pot, three-component condensation of 2-naphthol, amides/ureas, and aldehydes takes place smoothly in the presence of cation-exchange resins to afford the corresponding 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols in good yield. Indion-130 is found to be the best catalyst for the reaction and is recyclable. The method is simple, solvent free, and involves a short reaction time.