A catalyst-free, facile and efficient approach to cyclic esters: synthesis of 4H-benzo[d][1,3]dioxin-4-ones

Abstract

We have developed a green and practical method to construct 4H-benzo[d][1,3]dioxin-4-one and its derivatives, which are important structural units in insecticides, and intermediates to synthesize multiple-substituted benzene derivatives of great value. The catalyst- and additive-free conditions, commercial and cheap starting materials and short reaction time, make this transformation practical and attractive.