Rice husk: A mild, efficient, green and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of 12-Aryl-8, 9, 10, 12-tetrahydro [a] xanthene-11-ones and quinoxaline derivatives

Rice husk, as a green and cheap reagent, can be used for the promotion of the synthesis of 12-aryl -8, 9,10,12-tetrahydrobenzo[α] xanthen-11-one derivatives (ATXOs) via three-component reaction of aldehydes, 2-naphthol and 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadione (dimedone) under solvent-free conditions. This catalyst can also be used for the preparation of quinoxaline derivatives in a mixture of H2O and CH3CN at 50 °C. The present methodology offers several advantages such as high yields, simple procedure, low cost, short reaction times, mild reaction conditions and use of a green, cheap and reusable catalyst.