Humic acid: An unexplored organocatalyst toward the synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols and 1-thioamidoalkyl-2-naphthols through one-pot multi-component system.

Humic acid is a group of molecules which are eco-benign, inexpensive, readily attainable, high-molecular-weight, natural acidic organic polymer. In our current protocol a simple, facile, and robust single-pot three-component synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols and 1-thioamidoalkyl-2-naphthols using humic acid as an efficient catalyst in water has been described. The method, we reported, has several advantages such as moderate to excellent yields, easy work-up procedure, mild reaction conditions, use of water as a green solvent, and a commercially available, nontoxic, and reusable catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]