Synthesis of chromeno[2,3-b]indeno[2,1-e]pyridine derivatives via K2CO3-promoted three-component reaction of 2-amino-4H-chromen-4-ones, aromatic aldehydes and 1H-Indene-1,3(2H)-dione

An efficient process to access chromeno-fused azafluorenones (chromeno[2,3-b]indeno[2,1-e]pyridine) via the three-component reaction between 2-amino-4H-chromen-4-ones, aromatic aldehydes and 1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione is described. This approach includes successive the Aldol condensation, the Michael addition, intramolecular nucleophilic addition and aromatization. The structure of a product obtained was determined based on X-ray diffraction studies.