Glutamic acid catalyzed multicomponent synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols from amides, aromatic aldehydes and 2-naphthol in solvent-free conditions

An efficient and direct protocol for the preparation of amidoalkyl naphthols employing a multi-component, one-pot condensation reaction of 2-naphthol, aromatic aldehydes and amides in the presence of glutamic acid under solvent-free and green conditions is described. The thermal solvent-free and green catalyst offer advantages such as shorter reaction times, simple work-up, and excellent yield. It is noteworthy that 1-amidomethyl-2-naphthols can be converted into important biological ‘drug like’ active 1-aminomethyl-2-naphthols derivatives by amide hydrolysis.