Rapid, efficient and solvent-free synthesis of (un)symmetrical xanthenes catalyzed by recyclable sulfated polyborate

The present study describes a rapid, simple and straightforward approach to the synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes, 14-phenyl-14H-dibenzo[aj]xanthene and tetrahydrobenzoxanthene-11-ones under solvent-free conditions using sulfated polyborate as a highly efficient catalyst. The procedure offers several advantages including cleaner reaction profile, mild reaction condition, economic, recyclable and environmentally benign catalyst, high yields, simple experimental and workup procedures. While non extractive work up/purification, along with reusability of catalyst make this method economically affordable for large scale. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.