Synthesis of novel fluorescent benzo[a]pyrano[2,3-c]phenazine and benzo[a]chromeno[2,3-c]phenazine derivatives via facile four-component domino protocol

An efficient and practical route to novel fluorescent benzo[a]pyrano[2,3-c]phenazine framework has been developed by one-pot, four-component reaction of 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione, 1,2-phenylenediamines, aromatic aldehydes, and Meldrum’s acid in glacial acetic acid at 70 °C. Photophysical studies of these compounds have been reported. Reactions involving cyclohexane-1,3-dione/5-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione/dimedone in the place of Meldrum’s acid yielded corresponding benzo[a]chromeno[2,3-c]phenazine derivatives. Crystal structure of 3k established the regioisomer formed. Mild reaction conditions, good yields, short reaction time, and easy separation are some of the salient features of the present protocol.