Green Synthesis of Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) Based Scaffolds

Abstract

Expedient aqueous synthesis of 3,3-arylmethylenebis(2-hydroxy naphthalene-1,4-diones) by condensation reaction of aromatic aldehyde and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone under reflux and microwave irradiation using lemon juice as a catalyst has been studied. The green protocol described herein avoid severe reaction conditions and prove to be effective in terms of good yields, operational simplicity, easy work up and short reaction time. The antimicrobial properties of the synthesized compound can be explored and is expected to be comparable to parent compound Lawsone, which is known to impart red-orange colour.