A simple, efficient, and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of 4H-chromene derivatives was developed using bio-compatible, neutral, and recoverable mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a catalyst. The 4H-chromene derivatives were obtained in excellent yields by three component reaction of an aldehyde or isatin, malononitrile, and cyclic 1,3-diketones in ethanol at 60 °C.
