Reaction of ethyl acetoacetate and 2'-hydroxychalcones: Efficient route to 9-aryl-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-ones

Abstract

The reaction of ethyl acetoacetate and 2'-hydroxychalcones under atmospheric air to furnish a series of functionalized 6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-ones in moderate yields is reported. The reaction proceeds through trans-esterification, intra-molecular Michael addition, Robinson annulation and oxidative aromatization. © 2014 Chemical Society of Ethiopia.