A Convenient Synthesis of 3-Behzyl, 3-Benzyl-4-Substituted Coumarins and Their Benzo Derivatives

Abstract

It is reported in the literature that alkylation of simple (unsubstituted) phosphorane with alkyl halide in ethyl acetate leads to equimolar mixture of alkylated phosphorane and salt of the unsubstituted phosphorane. Here we report exclusive formation of alkylated phosphorane from its salt from benzyl bromide in chloroform. This alkylated phosphorane (2) on reaction with 2-hydroxy carbony1 compounds (1a-1) provide E-ethyl Oc-benzyl cinnamates in high yields which on thermal cyclisation gave 3-benzylf 3-benzyl-4-substituted and benzocoumarins. Thus this method can be used conveniently to synthesise above compounds in good yields.