Synthetic approaches to 4,8‐dimethyl‐5′‐(N‐pyridiniummethyl)‐ 4′,5′‐dihydropsoralens and 4,8‐dimethyl‐5′‐ (N‐aminomethyl)‐ 4′,5′‐dihydropsoralens

New synthetic approaches to 4,8‐dimethyl‐5′‐(N‐pyridiniummethyl)‐4′,5′‐dihydropsoralens and 4,8‐dimemyl‐5′‐(N‐aminomethyl)‐4′,5′‐dihydropsoralens are described. The 5′‐halomethyl‐4′,5′‐dihydro‐psoralen precursors are formed by electrophilic ring closures of 4,8‐dimethyl‐6‐allyl‐7‐hydroxycoumarin. The ring‐closure reactions may also be applied to the synthesis of 5′‐halomethyl‐4‐methyl‐4′,5′‐dihydroangelicins. The compounds are potential therapeutic agents for improved psoralen ultraviolet A radiation treatment.