Efficient Synthesis of Chromones with Alkenyl Functionalities by the Heck Reaction

Abstract

The usefulness of the Heck reaction in the field of chromones has been demonstrated. Bromochromones with the halogen atom in their rings A and B were reacted with various terminal alkenes to give hitherto unknown alkenyl‐substituted chromones. Reactivity of the substrates was found to markedly depend on the position of the bromine atom. Under phosphine‐free conditions using a phase‐transfer catalyst additive (tetrabutylammonium bromide), shorter reaction periods and usually higher yields were obtained.