Convenient Synthesis of 3-Cinnamoyl-2-styrylchromones: Reinvestigation of the Baker-Venkataraman Rearrangement

An efficient and straightforward, one-pot sequence gives access to highly functionalized 3-cinnamoyl-2-styrylchromones in excellent yields. The low solubility of the target molecules allows convenient isolation. The formation of an α,α-dicinnamoylated acetophenone, as a consequence of a two-fold Baker-Venkataraman sequence, has to be anticipated.