Solvent-free synthesis of naphthopyrans under ball-milling conditions

Under solvent-free ball-milling conditions, the nucleophilic addition reactions of terminal alkynes to carbonyl compounds promoted by KOH proceeded efficiently at ambient temperature. Subsequent cyclization reactions of the synthesized propargylic alcohols with 2-naphthol catalyzed by indium trichloride tetrahydrate, leading to the formation of naphthopyrans, were then investigated. In most cases, side reactions were avoided and thus high yields were achieved.