Yb(OTf)3-Catalyzed Reactions of 5-Alkylidene Meldrum's Acids with Phenols: One-Pot Assembly of 3,4-Dihydrocoumarins, 4-Chromanones, Coumarins, and Chromones

[reaction: see text] The Yb(OTf)3-catalyzed annulation reactions of phenols with 5-alkylidene Meldrum's acids enabled the synthesis of structurally diverse heterocycles in high isolated yields. A series of 4-substituted 3,4-dihydrocoumarins, 2,2-disubstituted 4-chromanones, coumarins, and 2-substituted chromones were readily and efficiently assembled, including the naturally occurring coumarins citropten, scoparone, and ayapin. Addition of phenols to biselectrophilic 5-alkylidene Meldrum's acids proceeded through two distinct multibond-forming modes: Friedel-Crafts C-alkylation/O-acylation and Friedel-Crafts C-acylation/O-alkylation. The regioselectivity of the catalytic annulation reaction was controlled by the degree of substitution on the alkylidene moiety.