Zinc oxide nanoparticles: A highly efficient and readily recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of xanthenes

A novel and efficient route for the synthesis of 1,8-dioxooctahydroxanthenes and 14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes is described through one-pot multi-component reaction of dimedone and 2-naphthol with various aryl aldehydes using ZnO nanoparticles under solvent-free conditions. This method provides a novel and improved pathway for the synthesis of xanthenes in the terms of excellent yields, short reaction times, reusability and low catalyst loading.