Application of Baylis–Hillman Methodology in the Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives

Abstract

A general, chemoselective approach to 3-substituted coumarins via Baylis–Hillman reactions of O-benzylated salicylaldehyde precursors has been demonstrated. Competitive cyclization to chromene derivatives is inhibited by conjugate addition of benzylamine or piperidine to the α,β-unsaturated ester intermediates.

Keywords:

• Coumarins
• Baylis–Hillman reaction
• Synthesis

Acknowledgment

The authors thank the National Research Foundation (NRF) and Rhodes University for generous financial support.