Suzuki Yumiko

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.

A molecular editing strategy to construct quinoxalinones from chromones and benzimidazolylidene N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) was developed. The C2 atoms of the chromones were incorporated into the quinoxalinones via ring expansion of the NHCs.