Synthesis of aurones under neutral conditions using a deep eutectic solvent

Aurones are an interesting, but little studied member of the flavanoid family of natural products. Of the various methods available for their synthesis, the simplest involves the condensation of a coumaranone with an aldehyde. This reaction can be performed under acidic or basic conditions. We have recently discovered an effectively neutral set of conditions that employ the deep eutectic solvent comprised of choline chloride and urea as both solvent and catalyst. Modest to good yields can be achieved for a range of aldehydes, thereby facilitating further study of aurones from both a biological as well as a spectroscopic perspective.