Efficient and general method for the synthesis of benzopyrans by ethylenediamine diacetate-catalyzed reactions of resorcinols with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. One step synthesis of biologically active (±)-confluentin and (±)-daurichromenic acid

An efficient and general synthesis of benzopyrans is achieved by ethylenediamine diacetate-catalyzed reactions of resorcinols with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in moderated yields. As an application of this methodology, biologically interesting confluentin, which was known to have an inhibitory effect on histamine release is synthesized in one step. Also, natural daurichromenic acid, which has highly potent anti-HIV activity, is successfully synthesized in one step.