Coumarins: Facile and Expeditious Synthesis via Keggin‐Type Heteropolycompounds under Solvent‐Free Condition

Different Keggin‐type heteropolycompounds were used in Pechmann reaction to obtain biologically active coumarins. Effect of solvent, catalyst loading, and molar ratios of substrates was studied to introduce the best reaction condition. The optimized reaction condition was extended to Pechmann reaction of methylacetoacetate with various monohydric and polyhydric phenols. This rapid procedure afforded structurally diverse coumarins with high to excellent yields. Short reaction times, simple work‐up, and mild reaction conditions were advantages of this method. The optimized catalysts were reusable for four runs.     

A practical strategy for the characterization of coumarins in Radix Glehniae by liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry

The aim of the present study was to develop a practical method for the characterization of coumarins in Radix Glehniae by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). First, 10 coumarin standards (including two pairs of isomers) were studied, and mass spectrometry fragmentation patterns and elution time rules for the coumarins were found. Then, an extract of Radix Glehniae was analyzed by the combination of two scan modes, i.e., multiple ion monitoring-information-dependent acquisition-enhanced product ion mode (MIM-IDA-EPI) and precursor scan information-dependent acquisition-enhanced product ion mode (PREC-IDA-EPI) on a hybrid triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer. A total of 41 coumarins were identified on the basis of their mass spectrometry fragmentation patterns. This is the first time that these two scan modes have been combined to characterize chemical constituents in traditional Chinese medicine. This new method allowed the identification of coumarins in Radix Glehniae in trace amounts. The methodology proposed in this study could be valuable for the structural characterization of coumarins from complex natural and synthetic sources.     

Synthesis of benzofuran derivatives via rearrangement and their inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase

During a synthesis of coumarins to obtain new candidates for treating Alzheimer's Disease (AD), an unusual rearrangement of a benzopyran group to a benzofuran group occurred, offering a novel synthesis pathway of these benzofuran derivatives. The possible mechanism of the novel rearrangement was also discussed. All of the benzofuran derivatives have weak anti-AChE activities compared with the reference compound, donepezil.     

Synthesis of coumarins by Pt-catalyzed hydroarylation of propiolic acids with phenols

Synthesis of coumarins from phenols and propiolic acids was examined by using a Pt catalyst such as PtCl₂/AgOTf, K₂PtCl₄/AgOTf, and K₂PtCl₄/AgOAc. Propiolic acid reacted even with less reactive phenols in trifluoroacetic acid to give coumarins and dihydrocoumarins. In the case of substituted propiolic acids, phenylpropiolic acid and 2-octynoic acid, the reactions proceeded selectively to afford coumarins in good to high yields.     

In situ visual and content changes analysis of coumarins in Radix Angelicae dahuricae by LSCM combined with LC-MS technology

In this study, a simple, accurate and green localization method of coumarins in Radix Angelicae dahuricae was established with fresh Radix Angelicae dahuricae as research material to reveal the distribution and accumulation of coumarins, based on frozen section and fluorescence imaging technology. The best frozen section conditions were established by comparing the effects of different cryoprotectants on the quality of Radix Angelicae dahuricae's frozen sections, according to the loss of coumarins and the complexity of the operation process. The coumarin components in Radix Angelicae dahuricae at different stages were located and quantitatively analyzed, and coumarin components distribution positions and content changes were identified using fluorescence imaging combined with LC-MS technology. The results showed that 30 μm slice thickness with 15 % glycerin protectant treatment is the best condition for frozen section. Fluorescence imaging showed that coumarins in Radix Angelicae dahuricae were mainly distributed in secretory tissue, the content over different periods showed an “S” curve of growth and coumarins reached their highest content in early September. The distribution and accumulation of coumarins in roots were revealed, which provided a reference for the synthesis and metabolism mechanism of metabolites in medicinal plants and the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine.     

Ultrasonic-Assisted Efficient Extraction of Coumarins from Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim Using Deep Eutectic Solvents Combined with an Enzyme Pretreatment

In this study, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of total coumarins from Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim (P. decursivum) via the combination of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with cellulase pretreatment was carried out. Among the 15 kinds of DESs with choline chloride as hydrogen bond acceptors, the DES system of choline chloride/1,4-butanediol with a molar ratio of 1:4 showed the best extraction effect. First, single-factor experiments were performed using the following factors: liquid–solid ratio, pH, enzyme dosage and ultrasonic temperature. The Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to optimize the extraction conditions and obtain the following optimal parameter values for the extraction of coumarins from P. decursivum: liquid–solid ratio 14:1 mL/g, pH 5.0, enzyme dosage 0.2%, ultrasonic temperature 60 °C and ultrasonic time 50 min. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of total coumarins from P. decursivum could reach 2.65%, which was close to the predicted extraction yield of 2.68%. Furthermore, the contents of six coumarins, namely, umbelliferone, nodakenin, xanthotoxin, bergapten, imperatorin and decursin were determined to be 0.707 mg·g⁻¹, 0.085 mg·g⁻¹, 1.651 mg·g⁻¹, 2.806 mg·g⁻¹, 0.570 mg·g⁻¹ and 0.449 mg·g⁻¹, respectively, using HPLC-MS after the optimization. In addition, the cell fragmentation of P. decursivum powder obtained using ultrasonic-assisted DES extraction with enzyme pretreatment was found to be the most comprehensive using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which indicated the highest extraction efficiency for P. decursivum. Finally, the in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated via radical scavenging with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), which showed that ultrasonic-assisted DES extraction with enzyme pretreatment exhibited significant antioxidant activity with DPPH radical scavenging of up to 97.90%. This work developed a new and efficient extraction method for coumarins.     

Rapid identification of coumarins from Fructus citri Sarcodactylis by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS

Coumarins is a kind of important components in traditional Chinese medicine. Due to their special structure, they have significant pathological connections with many diseases. In this research, we established a rapid method to analyse the coumarins from Fructus citri Sarcodactylis by using the technique of ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Twenty-one coumarins were identified from Fructus citri Sarcodactylis, 10 were discovered for the first time. At the same time, a rapid sensitive method for identifying coumarins from Fructus citri Sarcodactylis was established.     

Knoevenagel reaction in [MMIm][MSO₄]: synthesis of coumarins

The ionic liquid 1,3-dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate, [MMIm][MSO?], together with a small amount of water (the amount taken up by the ionic liquid upon exposure to air), acts efficiently as both solvent and catalyst of the Knoevenagel condensation reactions of malononitrile with 4-substituted benzaldehydes, without the need for any other solvent or promoter, affording yields of 92%-99% within 2-7 min at room temperature. When L-proline is used as an additional promoter to obtain coumarins from o-hydroxybenzaldehydes, the reaction also proceeds in high yields. Work-up is very simple and the ionic liquid can be reused several times. Some of the coumarins obtained are described for the first time.     

Facile Metal-Free Synthesis of 3-Aryl-4-Substituted Coumarins from O-Hydroxy Carbonyl Compounds

The intramolecular cyclization of the esters of salicylaldehyde, O-hydroxyacetophenones, methyl salicylate, and 2′-hydroxy chalcones by potassium hydroxide in pyridine leads to a short and convenient synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted coumarins. Twenty 3-phenyl coumarins were synthesized in 80–90% yields. No other by-product, such as 2-benzylchromone or β-diketones, was observed the reactions. The mild reaction condition involves the removal of more acidic benzylic proton, which leads to a relatively cheap, nontoxic, metal-free method for the synthesis of 3-aryl-4-substituted coumarins.     

A convenient approach to the design and synthesis of indolo[3,2-c]coumarins via the microwave-assisted Cadogan reaction

3-(4,5-Dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)coumarins bearing various substituents on the benzene ring of the coumarin system have been prepared from salicylaldehydes and 2-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)acetonitrile by means of the Perkin condensation. Further cyclization of these 3-aryl coumarins through the microwave-assisted Cadogan reaction afforded the corresponding indolo[3,2-c]coumarins in good to excellent yields.     

Phenacyl ester derivatives bearing heterocycles as models for photocleavable linkers: synthesis and photolysis studies

The synthesis of several phenacyl ester derivatives linked to oxygen and nitrogen heterocycles, benzoquinolone and (benzo)coumarins, was carried out in an effort to obtain systems that could be applied as photocleavable (bi)functional linkers for solid phase peptide synthesis. The heterocycles were attached to a spacer, with different lengths, followed by coupling to 2-bromo-1-phenylpropan-1-one, acting as a model for the solid support. Photolysis studies of the resulting phenacyl ester derivatives were carried out by irradiation in a photochemical reactor at different wavelengths (300, 350 and 419 nm), in methanol/HEPES buffer solution (80:20).     

Ensembles of rings with a coumarin unit 1. Synthesis of 3-(2-R-thiazol-4-yl)-and 3-(4-R-thiazol-2-yl)coumarins

We have synthesized 3-(2-R-thiazol-4-yl)coumarins (R=H, CH₃, CH₂CN, Ar) by condensation of 3-(-bromoacetyl)coumarins with thioamides. We obtained 3-(4-R-thiazol-2-yl)coumarins (R=H, Ar) by several methods. By reaction of 2-cyanomethyl-4-phenylthiazole with 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes, we synthesized 2-imino-3-(4-phenylthiazol-2-yl)coumarins, which were converted to the corresponding coumarins by acid hydrolysis. For 3-(2-R-thiazol-4-yl)coumarins (R=CH₂CN), we carried out reactions with aromatic aldehydes. We propose alternative methods for synthesis of 2-[2-aryl(hetaryl)-1-cyanoethenyl]-4-(coumarin-3-yl)thiazoles.Ukrainian Pharmaceutical Academy, Kharkov 310002. Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 10, pp. 1345–1355, October, 1997.     

Photoinduced cyclization of alkynoates to coumarins with N-Iodosuccinimide as a free-radical initiator under ambient and metal-free conditions

An efficient photoinduced strategy for the preparation of coumarins was developed. In the presence of N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) as a free-radical initiator and under LED (380–385?nm) irradiation and metal-free conditions, the reaction of alkynoates underwent smoothly to afford the corresponding coumarins in high yields at room temperature with broad substrate scope via free radical intramolecular cyclization and ester rearrangement.     

A study of the analytical behaviour of selected synthetic and naturally occurring coumarins using liquid chromatography, ion trap mass spectrometry, gas chromatography and polarography and the construction of an appropriate database for coumarin characterisation

The aim of this paper is to provide analytical chemical information on a range of naturally occurring and synthetic coumarins. This analytical chemical information on liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS), ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-MSⁿ), gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection (GLC-FID) and polarographic behaviour is then incorporated into a database which is of use in identifying unknown coumarins isolated from natural sources. This paper is also concerned with understanding the effect of functional groups in coumarins on their analytical chemical behaviour using the above techniques.     

General and efficient route for the synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted coumarins via Pd-catalyzed site-selective cross-coupling reactions

Palladium-catalyzed site-selective cross-coupling reactions of 3-bromo-4-trifloxycoumarin or 3-bromo-4-tosyloxycoumarin provide an efficient and facile route for the synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted coumarins, which include 3,4-diarylcoumarins, 3-amino-4-arylcoumarins, and 3-aryl-4-aminocoumarins. The order of reactivity of the (pseudo)halide substituents in the coumarins was found to be 4-OTf > 3-Br > 4-OTs.     

Cyclization of ylidenemalononitriles. VIII. Synthesis of coumarins from o-methoxybenzylidenemalonitriles

A new synthesis of coumarins, by direct cyclization of α-cyano-o-methoxycinnamates in sulfuric acid, is described. The reaction seems quite general, and alkoxy groups other than the o-methoxy group involved in lactone formation are not hydrolyzed during the reaction. The 3-cyano group on the resulting coumarin is not hydrated in concentrated sulfuric acid, but can be converted to the carbamido group in 90% sulfuric acid. In certain cases these conditions do cleave methoxy substituents on the coumarins. Although the sulfuric acid cyclization did not produce the usual indenones when an o-methoxy group was present, the corresponding indenones could be obtained by cyclizing the ylidenemalononitriles with boron trifluoride-etherate. Possible reasons for this selectivity are discussed, and new coumarins and indenones characterized.     

Total synthesis of naturally occurring 5,6,7- and 5,7,8-trioxygenated coumarins

The synthesis of five naturally occurring polyoxygenated coumarins is described. It concerns two 5,6,7-trioxygenated coumarins, i.e., 6-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (fraxinol) 1 and 5,6,7-trimethoxycoumarin 2, and three 5,7,8-trioxygenated coumarins, i.e., 8-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (leptodactylone) 3, 5,7,8-trimethoxycoumarin 4 and 8-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)-5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (artanin) 5. Key feature of the synthetic pathway is the synthesis of suitable tetraoxygenated benzaldehydes, which are then converted to the corresponding coumarins via a Wittig reaction.     

Coordination ability of 3-pyridinyl coumarins with palladium(II) and platinum(II)

The coordination ability of two 3-pyridinyl coumarins with Pd(II) and Pt(II) both in solution and in solid state is elucidated by conventional and linear-polarized IR-spectroscopy of oriented colloid suspensions in nematic liquid crystal, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, positive and negative ion mass spectrometry (ESI), HPLC tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC ESI MS/MS), TGV, and DSC methods. The four metal complexes are compared with free ligands. Density functional theory calculations are performed to obtain the electronic structure and vibrational properties of the compounds to support the experimental data.     

Study of plant coumarins: X. Peurutenicin triflate in cross-coupling reactions

By Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of peurutenicin triflate with arylboric, furanylboric, pyridinylboric, and indolylboric acids the corresponding 7-aryl(hetaryl)coumarins were synthesized. The high activity of hetaryl-substituted boric acids in the Suzuki reaction was observed. Heck reaction of 7-O-trifluoromethylsulfonylpeur utenicin with terminal olefins (styrene, vinylpyridines, vinylpyrazine, vinyltriazole) was used to prepare (E)-7-[aryl(hetaryl)vinyl]coumarins. The dependence of reaction products yield on the nature of the catalytic system was found.     

Retrieval of High Added Value Natural Bioactive Coumarins from Mandarin Juice-Making Industrial Byproduct

Cold pressed essential oil (CPEO) of mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco), a by-product of the juice-making industrial process known to contain large amounts of polymethoxyflavones, was exploited for its content in high added value natural coumarins. The study herein afforded a method referring to the evaporation of CPEO volatile fraction under mild conditions (reduced pressure and temperature below 35 °C) as azeotrope with isopropanol. This allowed the isolation of high added value coumarins from the non-volatile fragment using preparative High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Pilot-scale application of this procedure afforded for each kg of CPEO processed the following natural bioactive coumarins in chemically pure forms: heraclenol (38–55 mg), 8-gerayloxypsoralen (35–51 mg), auraptene (22–33 mg), and bergamottin (14–19 mg). The structures of coumarins were verified by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and HPLC co-injection with authentic standards. Thus, the low market value mandarin CPEO with current value of 17 to 22 EUR/kg can be valorized through the production of four highly bioactive natural compounds worth 3479 to 5057 EUR/kg, indicating the great potentials of this methodology in the terms of the circular economy.