LAUSR

Here, we report a simple, efficient, and green protocol for the one-pot synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives via a sequential three-component strategy using aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and pyrazolin-5-one in a water–SDS–ionic liquid system. This is a base and volatile organic solvent-free approach that could be applicable to a wide substrate scope. The key advantages of the method over other established protocols are very high yield, eco-friendly conditions, chromatography-free purification and recyclability of the reaction medium. Our study revealed that the N-substituent present in pyrazolinone controls the selectivity of the process. N-unsubstituted pyrazolinone favours the formation of 2,4-dihydro pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles whereas under identical conditions N-phenyl substituent pyrazolinone favours the formation 1,4-dihydro pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles. Structures of the synthesized products were established by NMR and X-ray diffraction techniques. Energy optimized structures and energy gaps between the HOMO-LUMO of some selected compounds were estimated using density functional theory to explain the extra stability of the 2,4-dihydro pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles over 1,4-dihydro pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles.