A transition-metal-free synthesis of 3-ethynylcoumarins from salicylaldehyde-derived alkynoates was developed involving a DBU-promoted intramolecular Morita–Baylis–Hillman-type reaction/dehydration/isomerization cascade. A wide variety of alkynoates were employed to deliver 3-ethynylcoumarins in moderate to good yields.
Key words
transition-metal-free reaction - ethynylcoumarins - Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction - step economy - cascade reaction