NHC‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 2‐Aroylchromones and Their Application in the Synthesis of Wrightiadione Analogues

Abstract With a number of biologically active members, 2‐aroylchromones are valuable synthetic targets. A direct route towards 2‐aroylchromones from 2‐(methylsulfonyl)chromones and aldehydes via NHC‐catalyzed C−C bond formation was developed. Yields of the synthesized 2‐aroylchromones were up to 85%. Chromones with angioprotective or antibacterial properties were easily synthesized using the method developed. Additionally, the synthetic utility of the afforded chromones was demonstrated by using them to synthesize the anticancer compound wrightiadione and analogues of it.