Synthesis of 4-Arylcoumarins via Cu-Catalyzed Hydroarylation with Arylboronic Acids

In the presence of 2-4 mol % of CuOAc, methyl phenylpropiolates having a MOM-protected hydroxy group at the ortho position underwent hydroarylation with various arylboronic acids in MeOH at ambient temperature, resulting in the formation of 4-arylcoumarins in high yields after the acidic workup. This method was effectively used for the synthesis of biologically active natural and artificial compounds.