An efficient one-pot synthesis of anthraquinone derivatives catalyzed by alum in aqueous media

摘要

Alum (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O) performs as a novel catalyst for the synthesis of anthraquinone derivatives from phthalic anhydride and substituted benzenes in good to excellent yields (70–96%) using water as a solvent at ambient temperature. Several solvents were examined for this reaction; however, in terms of reaction yield and time, water was found to be the optimum solvent. The remarkable advantages offered by this method are an inexpensive and easily available catalyst, a simple procedure, mild conditions, and much faster (60–120 min) reactions.