Iron-catalyzed, microwave-promoted, one-pot synthesis of 9-substituted xanthenes by a cascade benzylation-cyclization process.

An efficient iron-catalyzed, microwave-promoted cascade benzylation-cyclization of phenols is reported. Benzyl acetates, benzyl bromides, and benzyl carbonates are suitable benzylating reagents. The reactions proceed to afford both 9-aryl and 9-alkyl xanthene derivatives in good to high yields using FeCl(3) as the catalyst under MW irradiation conditions.