Xanthenediones, also known as 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes, are synthetic
compounds characterized by the presence of a pyran nucleus fused to two cyclohexen-
2-one rings. They present important biological activities as well as possible
technological applications. Typically, xanthenediones are derived from the sequence
reaction: Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition and dehydration. During the
cyclization step involved in the preparation of xanthenodiones, the use of a catalyst is
required. Within this context, a variety of catalysts has been employed for the synthesis
of xanthenediones. It is herein described an overview of catalytic methodologies that
have been reported to achieve the preparation of xanthenediones.
Keywords: 1, 8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes, Brønsted acid, Catalysts, Ionic liquid,
Lewis acid, Lewis and Brønsted acid, Nanocatalyst, Organocatalyst, Pharmacological
activities, Xanthenediones, Xanthenes.
