An Efficient Synthesis of Coumestrol and Coumestans by Iodocyclization and Pd-Catalyzed Intramolecular Lactonization

Abstract

[reaction: see text] The iodocyclization of acetoxy-containing 2-(1-alkynyl)anisoles and subsequent direct palladium-catalyzed carbonylation/lactonization provide an efficient route to naturally occurring coumestan and coumestrol, and their related analogues.