A new approach to the synthesis of 3,4-dihydroisocoumarin derivatives

A new, simple, one-step synthesis of 3-substituted 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins is developed. The products are obtained by the reaction of o-methoxycarbonyl arenediazonium bromides with unsaturated compounds in the presence of CuBr as a catalyst. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.