Catalyst-free regioselective synthesis of benzopyran-annulated thiopyrano[2,3-b]thiochromen-5-(4H)-one derivatives by domino-Knoevenagel-hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of terminal alkynes with 4-hydroxy dithiocoumarin in aqueous medium

The synthesis of novel pentacyclic benzopyran-annulated thiopyrano[2,3-b] thiochromen-5(4H)-ones has been described by domino-Knoevenagel-hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of 4-hydroxy dithiocoumarin and O-propargylated salicylaldehyde in aqueous medium and in the absence of any catalyst. The single step reaction is highly regioselective and provides polycyclic heterocycles in high yields. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.