Synthesis of Oxygenated 3-p-Benzoquinonyl-and 3-Aryl-4- hydroxycoumarins

Department of Chemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007

Manuscript received 5 July 1985, revised 14 February 1986, accepted 26 November 1986

A synthesis of 4,5-dihydroxy-3-p-benzoquinonylcoumarin is described involving condensation of 4,5-dihydroxycoumarin with p-benzoquinone. Subsequent Thiele's acetylation/reductive acetylation offered acetoxy-3-aryl-4-acetoxycouwarin which on hydrolysis gave the corresponding hydroxylated 3-aryl-4-hydroxycoumarins. The struc­tures of these products have been established by spectral data. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of these compounds are discussed.