An efficient solvent-free synthesis of 2-hydroxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-chromenes using silica-immobilized L-proline.

An efficient synthesis of 2-hydroxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-chromene-3-carboxylates was carried out under solvent-free conditions in an oven or microwave oven via the Knoevenagel condensation of salicylaldehydes with ethyl trifluoroacetoacetate followed by intramolecular cyclization in the presence of silica-immobilized L-proline. The structures of the title compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, HRMS and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The improved method described herein is economical, easily-operated and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the catalyst can be recovered conveniently and reused without obvious loss of activity.