One-pot two-step synthesis of 3-iodo-4-aryloxy coumarins and their Pd/C-catalyzed annulation to coumestans

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of various coumestans from the intramolecular annulation of 3-iodo-4-aryloxy coumarins through C-H activation has been developed. When 3-iodo-4-aryloxy coumarins were treated with 10% Pd/C (0.3 mol% Pd) in the presence of sodium acetate, the corresponding coumestans were produced in good to excellent yield. Reusability of the palladium catalyst was investigated in up to three consecutive cycles and it was found that the yield of the reaction was almost unaltered. Sequential iodination and O-arylation of 4-hydroxy coumarins leading to the 3-iodo-4-aryloxy coumarins were also achieved in a one-pot two-step process starting from aryl iodides in high yield. Pivalic acid was revealed to be the most effective additive for the later method to produce 3-iodo-4-phenoxy coumarins. Different functional groups bearing electron-donating as well as withdrawing groups are also tolerant to the reaction conditions.