1,4-Benzodioxin-2(3H)-one and some of its derivatives

The methods of synthesis of 1,4-benzodioxin-2(3H)-one have been reexamined. Frequently quoted in the literature the method of Ghosh has been found to give impure (2-hydroxyphenoxy)acetic acid rather than the lactone. Using various methods some simple derivatives of the title lactone substituted in the benzene ring have been prepared and characterized. The bromination of the lactone with NBS gives predominantly 7-bromo-1,4-benzodioxin-2(3H)-one under electrophilic conditions, while 6-bromo-1,4-benzodioxin-2(3H)-one is obtained as a major isomer under photolytic conditions.