Fluoroboric Acid Adsorbed on Silica-Gel-Catalyzed Synthesis of 14-Aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthene Derivatives

A simple and efficient procedure has been developed for the preparation of 14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthene derivatives using fluoroboric acid adsorbed on silica gel as a heterogeneous catalyst. The methodology involves the one-pot condensation reaction of -naphthol and aryl aldehydes under solvent-free conventional heating conditions. The present approach offers several advantages such as shorter reaction times, simple work-up, excellent yields, low cost, and mild reaction conditions. The catalyst is easily recoverable and reusable without loss of its catalytic activity.