Ag2Cr2O7 nanoparticles: An eco-friendly and reusable catalyst for synthesis of pyrano[c]chromenediones and [1,3]dioxolo[g]chromeneones in aqueous media at ambient temperature

An efficient and green protocol for the synthesis of 4-aryl-3,4-dihydro-2H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]chromene-2,5-diones and 8-aryl-7,8-dihydro-6H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]chromene-6-ones through the Ag2Cr2O7 nanoparticles catalyzed cyclocondensation reaction of active methylene compounds including 4-hydroxycoumarin or 3,4-methylenedioxyphenol, aromatic aldehydes, and meldrum's acid in water at ambient temperature was described. This method demonstrates several advantages compared with methods that are currently employed such as a mild reaction conditions, simple work-up, good to excellent yields, avoiding toxic catalyst and hazardous solvent, and recovery and reuse of the catalyst.