Iodine catalyzed cascade synthesis of flavone derivatives from 2'-allyloxy-α,β-dibromochalcones

Abstract

Synthesis of flavones from 2'-allyloxy-α, β-dibromochalcones has been described. The iodine induced oxidative cyclization of 2'-allyloxy-α, β-dibromochalcones results into the formation of 3-bromoflavanones which ultimately gives flavones. Dehydrobromination of 3-bromoflavanone to give flavone is the preferred reaction over dehydrogenation.