Key words
coumarin - benzofuran - selective syntheses - phenol - α-methoxy-β-ketoester - α-methoxyacetophenone
Coumarins and benzofurans are widely distributed in nature and are important heterocyclic
compounds in medicinal and materials chemistry.[1] Coumarins exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant,[2] antiprotozoal,[3] and anti-HIV activities.[4] Their derivatives are used as cosmetic ingredients[5] and dispersed fluorescent dyes.[6] Benzofurans also exhibit interesting activities, including as antitumors,[7] lipid peroxidation inhibitors,[8] and non-nucleoside adenosine A1 antagonists.[9] They are widely used as fluorescent materials, such as fluorescent organic nanoparticles.[10] Therefore, many researchers are investigating the development of efficient synthetic
methods for both coumarins and benzofurans.
Scheme 1 Various synthetic methods for coumarin and benzofuran derivatives
Pechmann and Knoevenagel condensations are typical methods used for the synthesis
of coumarin derivatives (Scheme [1]A).[11]
[12] In recent years, new methodologies using transition metal catalysts have been developed,
such as the hydroarylation of alkynes and the carbonylation of ortho-vinylphenols.[13] However, only a few studies have reported on the synthesis of 3-heteroatom-substituted
coumarins.[14] The introduction of functional groups at the C3-position has attracted much attention
for improving the physical properties of coumarin-based molecules and enriching the
library of their derivatives.[15] Therefore, a convenient synthetic approach to 3-heteroatom-substituted coumarins
is required.
Table 1 Preliminary Survey for the Synthesis of Coumarin 3a Starting from 1a and 2a
|
Entry
|
1a (equiv)
|
Acid (equiv)
|
Solvent
|
Temp. (°C)
|
Time (h)
|
NMR yield of 3a (%)a
|
3a/4a ratioa
|
1
|
1.1
|
HCl (6.0)
|
EtOH
|
rt
|
72
|
57
|
1:0
|
2
|
1.1
|
H2SO4 (6.0)
|
EtOH
|
rt
|
72
|
24
|
1:0
|
3
|
1.1
|
TfOH (6.0)
|
EtOH
|
rt
|
72
|
70
|
1:0
|
4
|
1.1
|
TfOH (0.1)
|
EtOH
|
90
|
24
|
22
|
4.4:1
|
5
|
3.0
|
TfOH (0.1)
|
EtOH
|
90
|
24
|
32
|
3.4:1
|
6
|
3.0
|
TfOH (0.1)
|
i-PrOH
|
90
|
24
|
28
|
5.8:1
|
7
|
3.0
|
TfOH (0.1)
|
DMSO
|
90
|
24
|
trace
|
–
|
8
|
3.0
|
TfOH (0.1)
|
DCE
|
90
|
24
|
<56
|
1:0
|
9
|
3.0
|
TfOH (0.1)
|
1,4-dioxane
|
90
|
24
|
66
|
3.2:1
|
10
|
3.0
|
HClO4 (0.1)
|
1,4-dioxane
|
90
|
24
|
68
|
3.2:1
|
a Determined by 1H NMR using 1,4-dimethoxybenzene as an internal standard.
Benzofurans are often constructed by the cyclization of ortho-functionalized phenols, including phenols bearing carbon–carbon multiple bonds and
salicylaldehyde derivatives.[16] For example, transition-metal-catalyzed hydroalkoxylation of ortho-alkynylphenols has been used successfully to synthesize 2-substituted benzofurans
(Scheme [1]B).[17] Considering the wide availability of substrates, it is desirable to develop the
reactions using simple phenols.[18] Li et al. presented the iron-catalyzed oxidative reaction of phenols with β-ketoesters to form
ethyl 2-arylbenzofuran-3-carboxylates (Scheme [1]C).[19] Cossío et al. demonstrated the synthesis of 2- and 3-substituted benzofurans from phenols and α-bromoacetophenones,
respectively.[20] Nonetheless, practical methods using readily available substrates are still limited.
Herein, we describe the novel selective syntheses of 3-methoxy-4-arylcoumarins and
2-arylbenzofurans using phenols 1 and α-methoxy-β-ketoesters 2 (Scheme [1]D).
Using phloroglucinol (1a) and ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate (2a) as substrates, the reaction conditions for the synthesis of 3-methoxy-4-phenylcoumarin
3a were investigated. First, 2a was synthesized by the reaction of β-ketoester with MeOH using iodobenzene diacetate.[21] The reaction of 1a with 2a was carried out in the presence of Brønsted acids, which are commonly employed in
the Pechmann reaction,[22] and the desired 3-methoxycoumarin 3a was successfully obtained (Table [1], entries 1–3). Among these acids, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH) gave the
best results, affording 3a in 70% NMR yield. We aimed to use catalytic amounts of TfOH, but the yield of 3a was low, even under heating conditions (entry 4). Unexpectedly, 2-phenylbenzofuran
(4a) was obtained as a byproduct.[23] While it has been reported that acid treatment of α-methoxy-β-ketoester at high
temperature leads to demethoxylation to β-ketoester,[24] the reaction of 1a with 2a did not give 4-phenylcoumarin 5. To proceed with the reaction, substrate 1a was increased to 3.0 equiv and the use of various solvents was examined (entries
5–9). Polar solvents, such as i-PrOH and DMSO, did not affect the yield (entries 6 and 7). 1,2-Dichloroethane (DCE)
was a potential solvent that produced 3a in good yields, along with side reactions (entry 8). The screening of solvents revealed
that 1,4-dioxane was a suitable solvent (entry 9). Furthermore, the reaction in 1,4-dioxane
was found to have an effect comparable with that observed using HClO4 as an acid (entries 9 and 10).[25]
H2O was released during the formation of 3a. It was assumed that H2O inhibits the transesterification of 1a and 2a. Therefore, the effects of drying agents were investigated (Table [2]). In the case of molecular sieves (4Å) or trimethyl orthoformate, no reaction occurred
(entries 2 and 3). When 2,2-dimethoxypropane was used, 3a was obtained in 71% NMR yield. However, it could not be separated from the byproducts
by column chromatography (entry 4). Silica gel was more effective, generating 3a in 70% isolated yield (entry 5).[26] In contrast, the combination of TfOH and silica gel resulted in lower yields (entry
5 vs entry 6).
Table 2 Effects of Drying Agents on the Formation of 3a
|
Entry
|
Acid (equiv)
|
Drying agent
|
Isolated yield (%)
|
1
|
HClO4 (0.1)
|
–
|
60
|
2
|
HClO4 (0.1)
|
molecular sieves 4Å
|
no reaction
|
3
|
HClO4 (0.1)
|
HC(OMe)3
|
no reaction
|
4
|
HClO4 (0.1)
|
Me2C(OMe)2
|
71a
|
5
|
HClO4 (0.1)
|
silica gel
|
70
|
6
|
TfOH (0.1)
|
silica gel
|
58
|
a Determined by 1H NMR using 1,4-dimethoxybenzene as an internal standard.
With the optimized conditions in hand, the substrate scope was evaluated. The results
are shown in Scheme [2]. This method allowed for the isolation of 3-methoxy-4-arylcoumarins in good yields.
Phenols 1 with varying numbers of substituents at different positions afforded the corresponding
products 3b–d in 57–72% yields. In particular, resorcinol was converted into 7-hydroxycoumarins
3d and 3e without the formation of 5-hydroxy compounds. α-Methoxy-β-ketoesters 2 with different substituent patterns were applied for the synthesis of coumarins 3f–h. Furthermore, 4-alkylcoumarin 3i could be also synthesized in 35% yield.
Scheme 2 HClO4-mediated intermolecular annulation of 1 and 2 into coumarins 3. Reaction conditions: 1 (3.0 mmol), 2 (1.0 mmol), silica gel (~1.3 g), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL), 1,4-dioxane (4.0 mL), 90 °C, 24 h. Isolated yields
based on 2.
Next, focusing on the observation of benzofuran 4a during coumarin synthesis, we investigated whether water was involved in the formation
of benzofuran 4 (Table [3]). In the presence of excess H2O, the HClO4-mediated reaction between 1a and 2a did not proceed at all (entry 1). In contrast, the reaction using 3 equiv of H2O gave benzofuran 4a in higher yield than coumarin 3a (entry 2). Simultaneously, α-methoxyacetophenone (9) was also observed. It was assumed that α-methoxy-β-ketoester 2a was hydrolyzed and decarboxylated to 9, which then underwent intermolecular annulation with phenol 1a to afford benzofuran 4a. On the other hand, Yonezawa et al. have reported the reaction of α-methoxy-carboxylic acids with aromatic compounds
under acidic conditions, in which case the carboxyl and methoxy groups are replaced
by two aryl groups.[27] In order to proceed with decarboxylation, the reaction procedure was modified as
follows: to a solution of 2a in 1,4-dioxane were added H2O and catalytic HClO4, and after stirring at 90 °C for 7 h, 1a was added. As shown in entry 3, the reaction gave 4a in 53% NMR yield, with a 4a/3a ratio of 3.8:1. The change to 0.3 equiv of HClO4 afforded good product selectivity, but excess use of H2O reduced the yield of 4a (entries 4–6). Finally, increasing the amount of 1a and the reactant concentration afforded only 4a in 73% isolated yield (entries 7 and 8, see the Supporting Information for details).
Table 3 Optimizing the Conditions for the Synthesis of Benzofuran 4a
|
Entry
|
HClO4 (equiv)
|
H2O (equiv)
|
Time 1 (h)
|
1a (equiv)
|
Time 2 (h)
|
NMR yield of 4a (%)a
|
4a/3a ratioa
|
1
|
0.1
|
excess
|
–
|
3.0
|
24
|
no reaction
|
–
|
2
|
0.1
|
3.0
|
–
|
3.0
|
24
|
33
|
1.5:1
|
3
|
0.1
|
3.0
|
7
|
3.0
|
17
|
53
|
3.8:1
|
4
|
0.3
|
3.0
|
7
|
3.0
|
17
|
60
|
15:1
|
5
|
0.3
|
7.0
|
7
|
3.0
|
17
|
69
|
12:1
|
6
|
0.3
|
15.0
|
7
|
3.0
|
17
|
54
|
1:0
|
7
|
0.3
|
7.0
|
7
|
5.0
|
13
|
75
|
1:0
|
8b,c
|
0.3
|
7.0
|
7
|
5.0
|
13
|
80 (73)d
|
1:0
|
a Determined by 1H NMR using 1,4-dimethoxybenzene as an internal standard.
b 0.33 M solution of 2a in 1,4-dioxane.
c Ar gas was bubbled through the solvent.
d Isolated yield in parenthesis.
The developed protocol was applied to phenols 1 and α-methoxy-β-ketoesters 2 (Scheme [3]). Treatment of 2 with HClO4 and H2O, followed by the addition of 1, produced the desired benzofurans 4 in good to excellent yields. Additional substituents on the aromatic ring of 2 increased the yields. Benzofurans with heterocyclic as well as aryl groups in the
C2-position could be synthesized in good yields, while 2-alkylbenzofuran 4f was synthesized in a low yield. The use of 3,5-dimethoxyphenol instead of phloroglucinol
required a long reaction time; however, products 4h and 4i were obtained in good yields.
Scheme 3 HClO4-mediated intermolecular annulation of 1 and 2 into benzofurans 4. Reaction conditions: 2 (0.33 mmol), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL), H2O (2.3 mmol), 90 °C, 7 h, then 1 (1.7 mmol), 90 °C for the time indicated in parentheses. Isolated yields based on
2.
Control experiments were performed to elucidate the reaction mechanism. Using β-ketoester
6a without the α-substituent, the reaction with 1a gave acetophenone (8) as the main product, instead of benzofuran 4a (Scheme [4a]). α-Ethoxy-β-ketoester 7 exhibited a reactivity comparable to that of α-methoxy derivative 2a, although with a slightly low yield of 4a (Scheme [4b]). This phenomenon indicates that the α-alkoxy group in β-ketoester 2 is essential for benzofuran formation.
Scheme 4
Therefore, we were interested in at what step of the intermolecular annulation process
the ester group was decarboxylated. α-Methoxyacetophenone (9) was reacted with 1a under the optimal condition, without water. The reaction proceeded smoothly to form
benzofuran 4a in 73% NMR yield (Scheme [5]). Even in acetophenone, the absence of the methoxy group did not lead to the formation
of benzofuran 4a. It was found that the ester group was initially decarboxylated and the resulting
α-methoxyacetophenone underwent intermolecular annulation.
Scheme 5 Conversion of acetophenones 8 and 9 into benzofuran 4a
Based on our experimental findings, we propose the following mechanism for benzofuran
formation (Scheme [6]). First, α-methoxy-β-ketoester is hydrolyzed by HClO4 and H2O, followed by decarboxylation to form α-methoxyacetophenone (9). The hydroxy group of phenol 1a undergoes nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl carbon of protonated 9, resulting in the formation of intermediate 10. Finally, the intramolecular cyclization of 10 gives the corresponding benzofuran 4a.
Scheme 6 Proposed mechanism for the formation of benzofuran
In conclusion, we have developed a method for selective syntheses of coumarin and
benzofuran derivatives starting from common substrates 1 and 2. Both reactions are facilitated by HClO4, and the choice of route depends on the water content. During the synthesis of benzofurans,
H2O induces the decarboxylation of α-methoxy-β-ketoester. The resulting α-methoxyacetophenone
undergoes intermolecular annulation with phenols. To the best of our knowledge, this
is the first successful conversion of phenols and α-methoxyacetophenones into benzofurans.[28] Further investigation of the practical extension and elucidation of this mechanism
is currently in progress in our laboratory.
Melting points were determined on a Yanaco Micro Melting Point Apparatus and are uncorrected.
Infrared (IR) absorption spectra were obtained using a Jasco FT/IR-4200 or FT/IR-4700
spectrometer. 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker BioSpin AVANCE III 400 or a JEOL JNM-ECZ500R
spectrometer. NMR spectra were referenced to residual solvent peaks (acetone-d
6: 1H NMR δ = 2.05, 13C NMR δ = 29.84). Mass spectra were determined with a Thermo Fisher Scientific Q-Exactive
HR-ESI-Orbitrap-MS mass spectrometer. For preparative HPLC, a Jasco PU-1586 Intelligent
HPLC Pump, a Tosoh UV-8010 detector, a Shiseido Capcell Pak UG 120 C18 column (5 μm,
20 × 250 mm), and HPLC grade solvents were used.
Kanto Chemical silica gel (silica gel 60N, spherical neutral, particle size 40–50
μm) was directly used for column chromatography. Silica gel was activated by heating
with a heat gun when used as a drying agent. 0.1 M HClO4 in 1,4-dioxane (CAS: 7601-90-3) was purchased from Hayashi Pure Chemicals Ind., Ltd.
Other commercial reagents were directly used without further purification.
General Procedure for the Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives 3
General Procedure for the Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives 3
To the solution of phenol 1 (3.0 mmol, 3.0 equiv) and α-methoxy-β-ketoester 2 (1.0 mmol, 1.0 equiv) in 1,4-dioxane (4.0 mL, 0.2 M) was added silica gel (~1.3 g)
under a N2 atmosphere. HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 equiv) was dropwise added to the mixture at rt.
The reaction mixture was heated at 90 °C (oil bath) for 24 h. The resulting mixture
was filtered through Celite. The filtrate was quenched with sat. aq NaHCO3 and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL × 3). The combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography or reverse phase preparative
HPLC to give the corresponding coumarin 3.
5,7-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-phenylcoumarin (3a)
5,7-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-phenylcoumarin (3a)
Phloroglucinol (1a; 380 mg, 3.0 mmol, 3.0 equiv), ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate (2a; 230 mg, 1.0 mmol, 1.0 equiv), silica gel (1.1 g), and HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.1 equiv) in 1,4-dioxane (4.0 mL) were
heated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 1:1) to afford 3a (200 mg, 70%) as a white solid; mp 245–248 °C.
IR (KBr): 3497, 3262, 1705, 1623, 1596, 1573, 1461, 1380, 1300, 1243, 1201 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 7.42–7.27 (m, 5 H), 6.36 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.25 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.57 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 160.7, 158.6, 157.2, 154.9, 142.1, 138.4, 136.7, 128.9, 128.2, 128.1,
102.4, 100.5, 95.8, 60.1.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C16H11O5: 283.0612; found: 283.0616.
7,8-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-phenylcoumarin (3b)
7,8-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-phenylcoumarin (3b)
Pyrogallol (1b; 430 mg, 3.4 mmol, 3.0 equiv), ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate (2a; 250 mg, 1.1 mmol, 1.0 equiv), silica gel (1.1 g), and HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.1 equiv) in 1,4-dioxane (4.0 mL) were
heated. The residue was purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 1:1, 0.1% TFA) to afford 3b (180 mg, 57%) as a brown solid; mp 93–95 °C.
IR (KBr): 3557, 3485, 3179, 1710, 1702, 1600, 1469, 1340, 1275 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 7.59–7.46 (m, 3 H), 7.38 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2 H), 6.78 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1 H), 6.46 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.69 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 158.5, 148.3, 142.1, 141.6, 138.7, 133.5, 133.0, 129.9, 129.4, 129.2,
118.2, 114.6, 113.2, 60.3.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C16H11O5: 283.0612; found: 283.0615.
7-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-8-methyl-4-phenylcoumarin (3c)
7-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-8-methyl-4-phenylcoumarin (3c)
2-Methylresorcinol (1c; 380 mg, 3.1 mmol, 3.0 equiv), ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate (2a; 220 mg, 1.0 mmol, 1.0 equiv), silica gel (1.1 g), and HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.1 equiv) in 1,4-dioxane (4.0 mL) were
heated. The residue was purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 1:1, 0.1% TFA) to afford 3c (200 mg, 72%) as a white solid; mp 214–217 °C.
IR (ATR): 3283, 2928, 1672, 1611, 1571, 1458, 1356, 1256 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 500 MHz): δ = 9.15 (s, 1 H), 7.59–7.47 (m, 3 H), 7.43–7.37 (m, 2 H), 6.81 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.76 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 3 H), 2.30 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 125 MHz): δ = 158.9, 158.1, 151.6, 141.9, 138.6, 133.5, 129.9, 129.4, 129.3, 125.4,
113.8, 112.8, 112.2, 60.2, 8.3.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C17H13O4: 281.0819; found: 281.0816.
7-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-4-phenylcoumarin (3d)
7-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-4-phenylcoumarin (3d)
Resorcinol (1d; 410 mg, 3.7 mmol, 3.0 equiv), ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate (2a; 270 mg, 1.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv), silica gel (1.2 g), and HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.1 equiv) in 1,4-dioxane (4.0 mL) were
heated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (CH2Cl2/EtOAc = 10:1 to 5:1) to afford 3d (200 mg, 61%) as a white solid; mp 196–200 °C.
IR (KBr): 3340, 1699, 1616, 1557, 1511, 1464, 1350, 1321, 1257 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 9.26 (brs, 1 H), 7.60–7.48 (m, 3 H), 7.39 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 2 H), 6.95 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1 H), 6.82 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.77 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 160.4, 158.8, 153.6, 141.5, 138.9, 133.3, 129.9, 129.5, 129.3, 128.7,
113.83, 113.81, 103.3, 60.3.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C16H11O4: 267.0663; found: 267.0666.
7-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)coumarin (3e)
7-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)coumarin (3e)
Resorcinol (1d; 340 mg, 3.1 mmol, 3.0 equiv), ethyl 2-methoxy-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanoate
(2c; 250 mg, 0.99 mmol, 1.0 equiv), silica gel (1.3 g), and HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.1 equiv) in 1,4-dioxane (4.0 mL) were
heated. The residue was purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 2:3, 0.1% TFA) to afford 3e (150 mg, 51%) as a white solid; mp 179–182 °C.
IR (ATR): 3272, 1684, 1610, 1451, 1362, 1238 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 500 MHz): δ = 9.33 (s, 1 H), 7.47 (t, J = 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.09–7.04 (m, 1 H), 6.97 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.01–6.93 (m, 2 H), 6.81 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.78 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.86 (s, 3 H), 3.71 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 125 MHz): δ = 160.7, 160.4, 158.8, 153.5, 141.5, 138.8, 134.6, 130.5, 128.8, 121.9,
115.4, 114.9, 113.8, 113.7, 103.2, 60.3, 55.7.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C17H13O5: 297.0768; found: 297.0765.
5,7-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)coumarin (3f)
5,7-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)coumarin (3f)
Phloroglucinol (1a; 380 mg, 3.0 mmol, 3.0 equiv), ethyl 2-methoxy-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanoate
(2c; 260 mg, 1.0 mmol, 1.0 equiv), silica gel (1.3 g), and HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.1 equiv) in 1,4-dioxane (4.0 mL) were
heated. The residue was purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 3:2, 0.1% TFA) to afford 3f (260 mg, 83%) as an orange solid; mp 198–200 °C.
IR (KBr): 3509, 3223, 1684, 1627, 1599, 1558, 1468, 1395, 1371, 1296, 1249, 1200 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 9.17 (brs, 1 H), 8.45 (brs, 1 H), 7.30 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.95–6.84 (m, 3 H), 6.35 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.25 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3 H), 3.59 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 160.7, 160.2, 158.6, 157.1, 154.9, 141.9, 138.3, 137.9, 129.4, 121.1,
114.5, 113.7, 102.4, 100.5, 95.8, 60.2, 55.5.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C17H13O6: 313.0718; found: 313.0719.
5,7-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)coumarin (3g)
5,7-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)coumarin (3g)
Phloroglucinol (1a; 420 mg, 3.3 mmol, 3.0 equiv), ethyl 2-methoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanoate
(2b; 280 mg, 1.1 mmol, 1.0 equiv), silica gel (1.1 g), and HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.1 equiv) were heated in 1,4-dioxane (4.0
mL). The residue was purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 1:1, 0.1% TFA) to afford 3g (240 mg, 68%) as an orange solid; mp 268–270 °C.
IR (KBr): 3233, 1687, 1612, 1556, 1513, 1471, 1372, 1297, 1234 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 8.29 (brs, 1 H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2 H), 6.96 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2 H), 6.35 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.25 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.84 (s, 3 H), 3.57 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 160.6, 160.2, 158.6, 157.3, 154.9, 141.8, 138.7, 130.3, 128.2, 113.8,
102.6, 100.6, 95.9, 60.0, 55.5.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C17H13O6: 313.0718; found: 313.0722.
5,7-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)coumarin (3h)
5,7-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)coumarin (3h)
Phloroglucinol (1a; 380 mg, 3.0 mmol, 3.0 equiv), ethyl 2-methoxy-3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanoate
(2d; 260 mg, 1.0 mmol, 1.0 equiv), silica gel (1.3 g), and HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.1 equiv) were heated in 1,4-dioxane (4.0
mL). The residue was purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 3:2, 0.1% TFA) to afford 3h (200 mg, 62%) as a brown solid; mp 207–210 °C.
IR (KBr): 3466, 3400, 1703, 1624, 1566, 1493, 1464, 1432, 1351, 1292, 1238 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 9.13 (brs, 1 H), 8.50 (brs, 1 H), 7.32 (t, J = 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.15 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.01 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.96 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.34 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.23 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.73 (s, 3 H), 3.57 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 160.3, 158.7, 157.6, 157.3, 154.8, 139.5, 138.4, 129.8, 129.7, 125.9,
120.6, 111.3, 102.9, 100.2, 95.6, 59.8, 55.8.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C17H13O6: 313.0718; found: 313.0721.
5,7-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-phenethylcoumarin (3i)
5,7-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-phenethylcoumarin (3i)
Phloroglucinol (1a; 350 mg, 2.8 mmol, 3.0 equiv), ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-5-phenylpentanoate (2g; 230 mg, 0.92 mmol, 1.0 equiv), silica gel (1.3 g), and HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.1 equiv) were heated in 1,4-dioxane (4.0
mL). The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 1:1) to afford 3i (100 mg, 35%) as a brown solid; mp 216–219 °C.
IR (ATR): 3437, 3154, 1659, 1610, 1460, 1362, 1282, 1241 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 500 MHz): δ = 9.66 (s, 1 H), 9.16 (s, 1 H), 7.32–7.25 (m, 4 H), 7.23–7.15 (m, 1
H), 6.46 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.33 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.74 (s, 3 H), 3.40–3.33 (m, 2 H), 3.30–2.83 (m, 2 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 125 MHz): δ = 160.3, 157.9, 157.4, 155.2, 143.2, 143.0, 138.5, 129.22, 129.18, 126.8,
102.5, 100.7, 96.1, 60.0, 36.8, 30.7.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C18H15O5: 311.0925; found: 311.0924.
General Procedure for the Synthesis of Benzofuran Derivatives 4
General Procedure for the Synthesis of Benzofuran Derivatives 4
α-Methoxy-β-ketoester 2 (0.33 mmol, 1.0 equiv) was placed in a glass vessel, and HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.3 equiv) and H2O (42 μL, 2.3 mmol, 7.0 equiv) were added. The mixture was stirred at rt for 5 min
while bubbling with argon. After stirring at 90 °C (oil bath) for 7 h, phenol 1 (1.7 mmol, 5.0 equiv) was added at rt. The reaction mixture was stirred at 90 °C
(oil bath) for 13–36 h, quenched with H2O, and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL × 2). The combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography. Further purification of
the desired combined fractions was performed by reverse phase preparative HPLC to
give the corresponding benzofuran 4.
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-phenylbenzofuran (4a)
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-phenylbenzofuran (4a)
Ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate (2a; 74 mg, 0.33 mmol, 1.0 equiv), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.3 equiv), and H2O (42 μL, 2.3 mmol, 7.0 equiv) were heated. Phloroglucinol (1a; 210 mg, 1.7 mmol, 5.0 equiv) was added and the reaction mixture was heated for 13
h. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 2:1 to 3:2) followed by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 1:1, 0.1% TFA) to afford benzofuran 4a (55 mg, 73%) as a white solid; mp 168–170 °C.
IR (KBr): 3317, 1698, 1610, 1507, 1488, 1442, 1345, 1254 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 8.83 (brs, 1 H), 8.41 (brs, 1 H), 7.83 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.44 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.31 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.21 (s, 1 H), 6.56 (s, 1 H), 6.32 (s, 1 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 158.2, 157.8, 153.5, 152.1, 131.8, 129.7, 128.5, 124.8, 112.3, 99.9,
98.7, 90.6.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C14H9O3: 225.0557; found: 225.0555.
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzofuran (4b)
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzofuran (4b)
Ethyl 2-methoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanoate (2b; 82 mg, 0.33 mmol, 1.0 equiv), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.3 equiv), and H2O (41 μL, 2.3 mmol, 7.0 equiv) were heated. Phloroglucinol (1a; 210 mg, 1.7 mmol, 5.0 equiv) was added and the reaction mixture was heated for 13
h. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 3:2) followed by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 1:1, 0.1% TFA) to afford benzofuran 4b (66 mg, 79%) as an orange solid; mp 185–188 °C.
IR (KBr): 3329, 1645, 1612, 1501, 1450, 1398, 1343, 1301, 1253 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 8.74 (brs, 1 H), 8.33 (brs, 1 H), 7.75 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.04 (s, 1 H), 7.01 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 6.54 (s, 1 H), 6.30 (s, 1 H), 3.84 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 160.5, 157.9, 157.3, 153.8, 151.9, 126.3, 124.6, 115.1, 112.5, 98.7,
98.0, 90.7, 55.7.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C15H11O4: 255.0663; found: 255.0664.
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)benzofuran (4c)
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)benzofuran (4c)
Ethyl 2-methoxy-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanoate (2c; 85 mg, 0.34 mmol, 1.0 equiv), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.3 equiv), and H2O (42 μL, 2.3 mmol, 7.0 equiv) were heated. Phloroglucinol (1a; 210 mg, 1.7 mmol, 5.0 equiv) was added and the reaction mixture was heated for 13
h. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 2:1 to 3:2) followed by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 1:1, 0.1% TFA) to afford benzofuran 4c (70 mg, 81%) as a red amorphous solid.
IR (KBr): 3377, 1686, 1611, 1489, 1340, 1258, 1213 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 7.45–7.32 (m, 3 H), 7.23 (s, 1 H), 6.88 (dd, J = 8.1, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.57 (s, 1 H), 6.33 (s, 1 H), 3.87 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 161.1, 158.1, 157.7, 153.4, 152.1, 133.0, 130.8, 117.2, 114.3, 112.2,
109.9, 100.2, 98.6, 90.6, 55.6.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C15H11O4: 255.0663; found: 255.0664.
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)benzofuran (4d)
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)benzofuran (4d)
Ethyl 2-methoxy-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanoate (2e; 95 mg, 0.34 mmol, 1.0 equiv), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.3 equiv), and H2O (42 μL, 2.3 mmol, 7.0 equiv) were heated. Phloroglucinol (1a; 210 mg, 1.7 mmol, 5.0 equiv) was added and the reaction mixture was heated for 13
h. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 3:2 to 1:1) to afford benzofuran 4d (89 mg, 92%) as a colorless amorphous solid.
IR (ATR): 3369, 1687, 1610, 1503, 1447, 1338, 1241 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 8.75 (brs, 1 H), 8.35 (brs, 1 H), 7.40–7.35 (m, 2 H), 7.07 (s, 1 H),
7.02 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.54 (s, 1 H), 6.31 (s, 1 H), 3.91 (s, 3 H), 3.85 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 157.9, 157.4, 153.8, 151.9, 150.7, 150.4, 124.9, 117.6, 113.0, 112.5,
108.8, 98.7, 98.4, 90.6, 56.17, 56.16.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C16H13O5: 285.0768; found: 285.0769.
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)benzofuran (4e)
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)benzofuran (4e)
Ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-3-(thiophen-2-yl)propanoate (2f; 72 mg, 0.32 mmol, 1.0 equiv), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.3 equiv), and H2O (40 μL, 2.2 mmol, 7.0 equiv) were heated. Phloroglucinol (1a; 220 mg, 1.7 mmol, 5.0 equiv) was added and the reaction mixture was heated for 13
h. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 1:1) followed by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 3:2, 0.1% TFA) to afford benzofuran 4e (37 mg, 50%) as a white solid; mp 155–158 °C.
IR (ATR): 3327, 2482, 1685, 1604, 1497, 1439, 1331, 1250 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 500 MHz): δ = 7.47 (d, J = 4.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.45 (d, J = 4.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.13 (t, J = 4.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.02 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.53 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.32 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 125 MHz): δ = 157.8, 157.7, 152.0, 149.1, 134.3, 128.8, 125.8, 124.2, 112.0, 99.5,
98.9, 90.6.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C12H7O3S: 231.0121; found: 231.0117.
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-phenethylbenzofuran (4f)
4,6-Dihydroxy-2-phenethylbenzofuran (4f)
Ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-5-phenylpentanoate (2g; 80 mg, 0.32 mmol, 1.0 equiv), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.3 equiv), and H2O (40 μL, 2.2 mmol, 7.0 equiv) were heated. Phloroglucinol (1a; 200 mg, 1.6 mmol, 5.0 equiv) was added and the reaction mixture was heated for 13
h. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 1:1) followed by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 1:1, 0.1% TFA) to afford benzofuran 4f (10 mg, 12%) as a white solid; mp 132–134 °C.
IR (ATR): 3331, 2914, 1679, 1637, 1509, 1448, 1410, 1341, 1260 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 500 MHz): δ = 8.60 (s, 1 H), 8.23 (s, 1 H), 7.34–7.14 (m, 5 H), 6.45 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.41 (s, 1 H), 6.25 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.12–2.80 (m, 4 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 125 MHz): δ = 157.9, 156.7, 155.7, 151.3, 142.1, 129.22, 129.18, 126.9, 111.4, 100.2,
98.3, 90.5, 34.6, 30.8.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M – H]– calcd for C16H13O3: 253.0870; found: 253.0866.
6-Hydroxy-7-methyl-2-phenylbenzofuran (4g)
6-Hydroxy-7-methyl-2-phenylbenzofuran (4g)
Ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate (2a; 74 mg, 0.33 mmol, 1.0 equiv), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.3 equiv), and H2O (42 μL, 2.3 mmol, 7.0 equiv) were heated. 2-Methylresorcinol (1c; 210 mg, 1.7 mmol, 5.0 equiv) was added and the reaction mixture was heated for 13
h. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 6:1 to 3:1) followed by reverse phase preparative HPLC (H2O/MeCN = 2:3, 0.1% TFA) to afford benzofuran 4g (39 mg, 53%) as a white solid; mp 102–105 °C.
IR (ATR): 3266, 2923, 1603, 1417, 1313, 1216 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 500 MHz): δ = 8.46 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (s, 1 H), 7.71 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.47 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.35 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1 H), 6.94 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1 H), 2.37 (s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 125 MHz): δ = 157.0, 154.1, 141.4, 133.4, 129.8, 128.0, 127.9, 123.0, 119.2, 118.0,
112.9, 108.5, 8.6.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C15H13O2: 225.0910; found: 225.0909.
4,6-Dimethoxy-2-phenylbenzofuran (4h)
4,6-Dimethoxy-2-phenylbenzofuran (4h)
Ethyl 2-methoxy-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate (2a; 72 mg, 0.32 mmol, 1.0 equiv), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.3 equiv), and H2O (41 μL, 2.3 mmol, 7.0 equiv) were heated. 3,5-Dimethoxyphenol (1e; 250 mg, 1.6 mmol, 5.0 equiv) was added and the reaction mixture was heated for 36
h. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 10:1) to afford benzofuran 4h (56 mg, 68%) as a white solid; mp 62–64 °C.
IR (ATR): 3376, 1687, 1610, 1500, 1446, 1329, 1220 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 7.86 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.45 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.33 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.20 (s, 1 H), 6.78 (s, 1 H), 6.41 (s, 1 H), 3.93 (s, 3 H), 3.86
(s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 160.6, 157.5, 154.6, 154.3, 131.6, 129.7, 128.7, 124.9, 113.8, 99.8,
95.3, 89.0, 56.1, 56.0.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C16H15O3: 255.1016; found: 255.1015.
4,6-Dimethoxy-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)benzofuran (4i)
4,6-Dimethoxy-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)benzofuran (4i)
Ethyl 2-methoxy-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanoate (2c; 82 mg, 0.33 mmol, 1.0 equiv), HClO4 (0.1 M in 1,4-dioxane; 1.0 mL, 0.1 mmol, 0.3 equiv), and H2O (41 μL, 2.3 mmol, 7.0 equiv) were heated. 3,5-Dimethoxyphenol (1e; 250 mg, 1.6 mmol, 5.0 equiv) was added and the reaction mixture was heated for 36
h. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (n-hexane/EtOAc = 9:1) to afford benzofuran 4i (72 mg, 78%) as a white solid; mp 78–80 °C.
IR (ATR): 1602, 1560, 1495, 1478, 1461, 1425, 1324, 1273, 1204 cm–1.
1H NMR (acetone-d
6, 400 MHz): δ = 7.47–7.33 (m, 3 H), 7.22 (s, 1 H), 6.90 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.78 (s, 1 H), 6.41 (s, 1 H), 3.93 (s, 3 H), 3.88 (s, 3 H), 3.87
(s, 3 H).
13C NMR (acetone-d
6, 100 MHz): δ = 161.1, 160.7, 157.5, 154.6, 154.2, 132.9, 130.8, 117.4, 114.7, 113.8,
110.1, 100.2, 95.3, 89.0, 56.1, 56.0, 55.7.
HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C17H17O4: 285.1121; found: 285.1119.