Coumarins by Direct Annulation: β-Borylacrylates as Ambiphilic C3 -Synthons

Modular β-borylacrylates have been validated as programmable, ambiphilic C3 -synthons in the cascade annulation of 2-halo-phenol derivatives to generate structurally and electronically diverse coumarins. Key to this [3+3] disconnection is the BPin unit which serves a dual purpose as both a traceless linker for C(sp2 )-C(sp2 ) coupling, and as a chromophore extension to enable inversion of the alkene geometry via selective energy transfer catalysis. Mild isomerisation is a pre-condition to access 3-substituted coumarins and provides a handle for divergence. The method is showcased in the synthesis of representative natural products that contain this venerable chemotype. Facile entry into π-expanded estrone derivatives modified at the A-ring is disclosed to demonstrate the potential of the method in bioassay development or in drug repurposing.