A convenient one-pot synthesis of new chromeno[3,4-c]chromene and chromeno[3,4-c]pyridine derivatives in the presence of high surface area of magnesium oxide

In this investigation a new strategy involves the one-pot, three-component reaction of malononitrile, salycilaldehyde and phenol derivatives in the presence of high surface area of MgO is extended to the formation of chromeno[3,4-c]chromene derivatives in good to excellent yields in a short reaction time. Also, the three component reactions of an aldehyde such as salycilaldehyde and ketones with malononitril for the formation of chromeno[3,4-c]pyridines are investigated.