Cyclization of 2'-hydroxychalcones to flavones using ammonium iodide as an iodine source - An eco-friendly approach

Abstract

Ammonium iodide on exposure to air decomposes to ammonia and iodine. The in situ generated iodine was used for the cyclization of 2'-hydroxychalcones to the corresponding flavones under solvent-free conditions in good to excellent yields. This method could serve as an attractive alternative to the existing methods for synthesis of flavones and the use of toxic molecular iodine is avoided. Copyright © 2013 SCS.