Biocatalytic one-pot three-component synthesis of 4H-chromene derivatives in non-aqueous medium

The baker's yeast catalyzed one-pot three-component cyclocondensation of salicylaldehyde, malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate, and nitroalkanes for the synthesis of substituted 2-amino-4H-chromene derivatives is presented. The highlights of the protocol is a use of a biodegradable catalyst which is inexpensive, having simple reaction conditions, in other words, at room temperature and neutral pH, good-to-excellent yield, and simple workup procedure. [GRAPHICS]