Efficient Synthesis of 3-Methyl-2H-chromen-2-one: Classic Versus Microwave Conditions

Abstract

The reaction of salicylaldehyde with propionic anhydride in the presence of anhydrous K₂CO₃ as catalyst afforded 3-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (3-methylcoumarin) in good yields depending on the reaction conditions. The reaction was performed under classic thermal (55% yield) and microwave conditions (91–97% yield).

Keywords:

• Aldol condensation
• 3-methylcoumarin
• microwave
• Perkin reaction

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by grants from the Slovak Grant Agency for Science (VEGA 1/0639/08) and the Slovak Research and Development Agency (APVV-0128-07).