Alternatives to N,N‐Diethyl‐2,4‐dimethoxybenzamide as a Precursor for the Synthesis of 6,8‐Dimethoxy‐3‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐1H‐isochromen‐1‐one

Although the amide group of N,N‐diethyl‐2,4‐dimethoxybenzamide facilitates directed ortho‐metallation and subsequent allylation of the aromatic ring, it is not readily hydrolyzed prior to conversion into the title isochromenone. This article describes the use of 1‐(2‐allyl‐4,5‐dimethoxybenzoyl)‐4‐methylpiperazine and N,N‐diethyl‐2‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)‐4,6‐dimethoxybenzamide as alternative substrates for conversion into 6,8‐dimethoxy‐3‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐1H‐isochromen‐1‐one.