Recent Developments in Multi-component Synthesis of Lawsone Derivatives

Abstract

Background: 2-Hydroxy-1,4-Naphthoquinone (HNQ; Lawsone) is one of the most useful and the simplest naturally occurring naphthoquinones and has stimulated a resurgence of interest in the past decades due to a wide range of pharmacological activities.

Introduction and methods: This activity has led to the unusually large emphasis being placed on the design of more efficient multi-component reactions (MCRs) in the synthesis of bioactive lawsone derivatives.

Results and conclusion: This review highlights the recent developments in multi-component synthesis of biologically relevant naphthoquinone linked and fused heterocyclic derivatives carried out from 2015 till now.

Keywords: Lawsone derived heterocycles; microwave irradiation; multi-component reactions; nanocatalysis; one-pot synthesis; ultrasound irradiation.