The synthesis of indan-1-ones and isocoumarins
Abstract
A flexible synthetic route leading via indan-1-ones to variously methylated and oxygenated isocoumarins is described. The indanones are prepared by alternative routes involving intramolecular Friedel–Crafts cyclisation of aryl-propionic acids or pericyclic ring closure of acrylophenones. The influence of substitution on the rate of the pericyclic reaction is assessed.