Synthesis of hydroxy-6H-benzofuro[3,2-c] [1]benzopyran-6-ones

The Micheal addition of ethyl 2-methoxy-, 2,4-dimethoxy- and 2,5-dimethoxybenzoylacetates with benzoquinone leads to ethyl 2-(rnethoxy or dimethoxy phenyl)-5-hydroxybenzofuran 3-carboxylates. Treatment of the henzofuran derivatives with anhydrous pyridine hydrochloride at 190–195° leads to hydroxy-6H-henzofuro3,2-c] 1]benzopyran-6-ones.