A simple and efficient one-pot bis-bromine-1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane (Br<sub>2</sub>-DABCO) catalyzed synthesis of 14-aryl-14 H-dibenzo[ a,j]xanthenes under solvent-free conditions.
Bis-bromine-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (Br2-DABCO) is an efficient, readily available, and reusable catalyst for the synthesis of 14-aryl-14 H-dibenzo[ a,j]xanthenes 3 by condensation of β-naphthol 2 and aldehydes 1. This reaction under solvent-free conditions is very simple, affording good to excellent yields of products.