Imidazole as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-chromen-4yl-phosphonates

An efficient procedure for the preparation of 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-chromen-4-yl phosphonate derivatives via a three-component reaction of salicylaldehyde, malononitrile and trialkyl phosphites or diethyl phosphite using inexpensive and environmentally friendly imidazole as organocatalyst has been reported. Beside excellent yields and easy workup, the reaction is done in an almost neutral medium.