First intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions using chromone derivatives: synthesis of chromeno[3,4-b] xanthones and 2-(benzo[c]chromenyl)-chromones

A series of novel (E)-2-(2-propargyloxystyryl)chromones and (E,E)-2-[4-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)buta-1,3-dien-1-yl]chromones were designed and synthesized via aldol condensation of 2-methylchromones with 2-propargyloxy(benzaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde), respectively. Both chromone derivatives were used as substrates in microwave-assisted intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions, affording chromeno[3,4-b]xanthones and 2-(benzo[c]chromenyl)chromones. This is the first report involving chromone derivatives in intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions for the synthesis of new oxygen heterocycles, namely xanthone- and flavone-type compounds.