2-Aryl-1,9-dihydrochromeno[3,2-d]imidazoles: a facile synthesis from salicylaldehydes and arylideneaminoacetonitrile

2-Aryl-1,9-dihydrochromeno[3,2-d]imidazoles were prepared by a one-pot cascade reaction involving salicylaldehydes and arylideneaminoacetonitriles. These novel compounds were isolated in 11–95% yield after reflux in ethanol and triethylamine. A dimeric structure was also identified and partially evolved to the tricyclic product in DMSO solution, according to an evolution study by 1H NMR spectroscopy.