Efficient Synthesis of 9,9-Dimethyl-12-aryl-8,9,10,12-tetrahydro-benzo[a]xanthen-11-one Derivatives under Solvent-free Conditions using CeO₂-decorated SiO₂@Fe₃O₄ core-shell Nanoparticles

Abstract

The present study describes the development of a sustainable and efficient methodology for the synthesis of 9,9-dimethyl-12-aryl-8,9,10,12-tetrahydro-benzo[a]xanthen-11-one derivatives employing Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@CeO₂ as a recyclable and environmentally benign nanocatalyst. The nanocatalyst was synthesized via a straightforward co-precipitation technique, and its successful formation and structural integrity were confirmed through powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) analyses. The characterization techniques reveal that the catalyst is in its core–shell structure with a particle size of 20.98 nm, showing ferromagnetic behavior. The catalytic system exhibited excellent performance under solvent-free conditions, delivering the desired products in yields of up to 97%. The protocol demonstrated a broad substrate scope, effectively accommodating a variety of aromatic aldehydes with diverse substituents. The heterogeneous nature of the catalyst facilitated facile separation and reusability up to six consecutive cycles without any significant loss of activity thereby reducing waste generation and minimizing the environmental footprint. Furthermore, the proposed methodology addresses critical limitations associated with conventional synthetic routes, including the formation of undesired by-products, prolonged reaction times, and the use of toxic solvents. This work contributes significantly to the field of green chemistry by offering an environmentally responsible and operationally simple alternative for the synthesis of xanthenone derivatives.

Keywords

Magnetic nanocatalyst - Multicomponent reactions - Core–shell structures - Xanthenone - Green protocol

Publication History

Received: 19 April 2025

Accepted after revision: 25 June 2025

Article published online:
07 August 2025

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