An efficient synthesis of 2-benzoxepines from Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts using heterogeneous recyclable catalysts

Abstract

2-Benzoxepines have efficiently been synthesized from Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts, alkyl 3-aryl-3-hydroxy-2-methylenepropanoates by treatment with HCHO catalyzed by silica supported perchloric acid (HClO4·SiO 2) or Amberlyst-15 in CH2Cl2 under reflux for a short period of time (1.5-2.5 h). The catalyst can be recovered and recycled. The antibacterial properties of the new 2-benzoxepines were studied but no activity was found. © 2006 Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.