Lactic acid as an efficient catalyst for the one-pot three-component synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols under thermal solvent-free conditions

For the first time lactic acid was applied as an efficient and green catalyst for the one-pot three-component synthesis of amidoalkyl naphthols via the condensation between arylaldehydes, 2-naphthol and amides or urea under thermal solvent-free conditions in good to excellent yields. We have demonestrated a mild and efficient eco-friendly tandem synthesis of amidoalkyl naphthols using lactic acid as a novel organoacid green promoter, which uses neither harsh conditions nor the use of hazardous or toxicant catalysts and reagents. This methodology has a number of advantages including: short reaction times, high yield, use of non-toxic and inexpensive catalyst, elimination of solvent and easy work-up.