Resorcinols, Pechmann coumarin synthesis

An acidic resin can be used in place of sulfuric acid for the von Pechmann" " coumarin synthesis. For condensalions such as Ihal of resorcinol with ethyl ticeto-acetate, the two resins indicated appear to he equally salisl actory (/eu-Karb is a British polystyrenesulfonic acid). Use of a resin slmplllled puriflcalion of the eroduot. 

Coumarins are an important family of fragrance chemicals with herbaceous, haylike odors. The conventional methods for coumarin synthesis require drastic conditions. For example, 4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin 39 (Eq. 15.4.1) is prepared via the Pechmann reaction by stirring a mixture of resorcinol 37 and ethyl acetoacetate 38 in H2SO4 for 12-14 h (63). 

Zeolites have been shown to catalyse a variety of related reactions (Downing et al., 1997), e.g. zeolite beta catalyses the synthesis of coumarins via the Pechmann condensation. For example, condensation of resorcinol with ethyl acetoacetate over zeolite beta in refluxing toluene gave methylumbelliferone, a perfumery ingredient, in 70-80% yield (Fig. 2.24) (Gunnewegh ef a/., 1996). 

The Pechmann synthesis of coumarins via condensation of phenols with keto esters also involves an intramolecular hydroxyalkylation, following initial transesterification, and subsequent dehydration. It was found that H-Beta could successfully replace the sulfuric acid conventionally used as catalyst. For example, reaction of resorcinol with ethyl acetoacetate afforded methylumbelliferone (Figure 11.9), a perfumery ingredient and insecticide... 

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