Enzymatic promiscuity: “Amano” lipase AS-catalysed synthesis of naphthopyran derivatives in anhydrous media

“Amano” lipase AS(lipase from Aspergillus niger ), which naturally hydrolyzes triglycerides, was found promiscuously to catalyze multi-component reactions of aromatic aldehydes with malononitrile and β -naphthol to prepare naphthopyran derivatives in anhydrous organic solvents in moderate to good yields.