Abstract
A simple transformation of 2‐alkylfurans and 2‐formylbenzoic acids into 4‐unsubstituted 3‐(3‐oxoalkyl)isocoumarins is described. It is based on the synthesis of 2‐(2‐carboxybenzyl)furans followed by their acid‐catalyzed recyclization to the target isocoumarins.
Acknowledgment
Financial support was provided by the Russian Foundation of Basic Research (Grant 07‐03‐00352) and Bayer HealthCare AG (Germany).