Carbon-based leaving group capability of Meldrum's acid in substitution reactions: a new strategy toward the synthesis of 4-phenyl-3, 4-dihydro-2H-benzo[g]chromene-2, 5, 10-triones

An efficient and straightforward method for the synthesis of new 5,5'-(2-benzylidenemalonyl) bis(2,2dimethyl- 1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione) derivatives by the reaction of Meldrum's acid and aldehydes under mild reaction conditions is reported. Furthermore, the leaving group potency of Meldrum's acid molecules toward the synthesis of 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[g] chromene-2,5,10-triones is investigated.