Oxa-Pictet–Spengler reaction in water. Synthesis of some (±)-1-aryl-6,7-dimethoxyisochromans

An acid catalyzed oxa-Pictet–Spengler reaction ‘on water’ leading to the synthesis of a variety of 1-aryl-6,7-dimethoxyisochromans is described. The aqueous chemistry is a much cleaner, efficient, cheaper and simple method for synthesis. The scope of reactions was extended to thia-Pictet–Spengler reaction to afford the some isothiochromans.