Enhanced Methods for Synthesizing Hydroxyxanthone Using Eaton and ZnCl2 Catalyst with Microwave Irradiation

Yuanita, Emmy
Eryani, Farica
Septiyana, Maulida
Lestarini, Ima Arum
Dharmayani, Ni Komang Tri
Sugara, Taufan Hari

Science and Technology Indonesia
Vol. 10 No. 3 (2025): July

The methods for synthesizing hydroxyxanthone compounds are continually advancing. Among these, microwave-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) has emerged as a particularly advantageous technique due to its reduced reaction times, improved yields, and enhanced selectivity. This study reports the efficient synthesis of 3,7 dihydroxyxanthone through the reaction of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate and resorcinol, using Eaton’s reagent and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as catalyst under MAOS conditions. The structures of the resulting compounds were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). The efficiency of the catalytic systems was evaluated based on the product yields. The Eaton reagent catalysis resulted in a 9.38% yield of a red solid, while the ZnCl2-catalyzed reaction produced a significantly higher yield of 23.07%, with the product appearing as an orange solid. These results demonstrate that Zn