Synthesis and intramolecular cyclisation of ortho-hydroxy-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropiophenone. Formation of 3-fluoro-4-hydroxycoumarin

Acidic hydrolysis of 1-(o-methoxyphenyl)pentafluoropropene $\text{1}$ gave o-hydroxy-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropiophenone $\text{2}$ and o-methoxy-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropiophenone $\text{3}$. Compound $\text{2}$ when treated with aqueous potassium hydroxide or methanolic sodium methoxide gave 3-fluoro-4-hydroxycoumarin $\text{4}$. Structure of $\text{4}$ has been established by spectral means and some chemical reactions. The cyclisation mechanism of $\text{2}$ is discussed.