Access to 3-aroylchromanones from dibenzoylmethanes via an iron-catalyzed α-methylenation reaction.

Abstract

A simple and straightforward synthesis of 3‐aroylchromanones based on a tandem iron catalyzed α‐methylenation – intramolecular oxy‐Michael addition reaction of dibenzoylmethanes with N,N‐dimethylacetamide is described. The reaction employs FeCl3 as catalyst under aerobic conditions to afford the corresponding 3‐aroylchromanones and tolerates a variety of substituents on both aromatic rings.