The reaction of different 7,8-substituted coumarin 4-acetic acids with 7-diethylaminocoumarin-3-carbaldehyde
in the presence of piperidine in methanol gives 1,2-biscoumarinylethenes. These compounds
undergo regiospecific Diels–Alder reactions at their electron-rich diene components
C3–C4–C10–C9, with electron-deficient dienophiles. The feasibility of normal electron-demand Diels–Alder
reactions could be explained on the basis of the HOMO–LUMO gap. All the compounds
are new and are intensely colored.
Key words
coumarins - cycloaddition reaction - Diels–Alder reaction - 3,4-annulated coumarin
- regiospecific reaction