A simple two steps ytterbium triflate‐catalysed preparation of 2,2‐dimethyl‐2h‐chromenes from salicylaldehydes and 2‐methylpropene
Abstract
The preparation of various 2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐chromenes was achieved in two steps via an ytterbium triflate‐catalysed reaction between salicylaldehydes, trimethylorthoformate and 2‐methylpropene. From salicylaldehyde, two reaction products were characterised: 4‐methoxy‐2,2‐dimethylchroman and 2‐(1,3‐dimethoxy‐3‐methylbutyl)phenol. The former compound probably results from a Lewis acid‐catalysed [2+4] cycloaddition between the intermediate quinonemethide and 2‐methylpropene whereas the latter may occur via a reaction related to a carbonyl‐ene reaction between the quinonemethide and 2‐methylpropene. Both compounds were subjected to a catalytic acidic treatment leading to 2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐chromene. Starting from various salicylaldehydes, the scope of this method was investigated.