Ultrasound mediated, iodine catalyzed green synthesis of novel 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-pyran derivatives

• A facile protocol for the synthesis of novel 4H-pyran derivatives is described.
• Aldehydes, malononitrile and active methylene compounds are the building blocks.
• The methodology employed is a high yielding process.
• The catalyst is inexpensive and easy to handle.
• The protocol permits diversity within the 2-Amino-3-cyano-4H-pyrans.

An efficient synthesis of a novel series of twelve substituted 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-pyran derivatives was achieved by a one-pot three-component cyclocondensation reaction of heteroaryl aldehydes, malononitrile and active methylene compounds catalyzed by iodine in aqueous medium under ultrasound irradiation. In comparison with conventional methods, our protocol is convenient and offers several advantages, such as shorter reaction time, higher yields, milder conditions and environmental friendliness. We have herein successfully demonstrated the synergistic outcome of multi-component reaction (MCR) and sonication to offer a facile route for the design of these derivatives.