Concise synthesis of xanthones by the tandem etherification-Acylation of diaryliodonium salts with salicylates

An efficient synthetic method for multi-substituted xanthones was developed. The reaction of diaryliodonium salts and salicylates was employed for the preparation of the xanthones. This method proceeded through an intermolecular etherification-acylation to give target heterocycles in good yields (up to 91%). Multi-substituted xanthones were gained by shifting the substituent of salicylates or diaryliodonium salts (C) 2017 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.