Synthesis of functionalized 2-salicyloylfurans, furo[3,2-b]chromen-9-ones and 2-benzoyl-8H-thieno[2,3-b]indoles by one-pot cyclizations of 3-halochromones with β-ketoamides and 1,3-dihydroindole-2-thiones

Functionalized 2-salicyloylfurans and 2-benzoyl-8H-thieno[2,3-b]indoles were prepared under mild conditions by reaction of 3-halochromones with β-ketoamides and 1,3-dihydroindole-2-thiones, correspondently. The subsequent oxidative cyclization of the products resulted in formation of the corresponding furo[3,2-b]chromen-9-ones. These molecules could also be directly prepared from 3-halochromones using a one-pot protocol. The cyclization reactions reported herein are mechanistically surprising as they proceed via the oxygen and not via the (more nucleophilic) nitrogen atom of the β-ketoamide.