Synthesis of Coumestan Derivatives via FeCl3-Mediated Oxidative Ring Closure of 4-Hydroxy Coumarins

A concise and efficient approach to the syntheses of coumestan analogues has been developed. The underpinning strategy involves a FeCl3-mediated direct intramolecular oxidative annellation of 4-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2H-chromen-2-one derivatives. Utilizing this synthetic protocol, a variety of coumestan derivatives were conveniently obtained from readily available reagents.