Synthesis and Reactivity of Electron-Deficient 3-Vinylchromones

The reported methods and data for the synthesis and reactivity of electron-deficient 3-vinylchromones containing electron-withdrawing­ groups at the exo-cyclic double bond are summarized and systematized for the first time. The main methods for obtaining these compounds are Knoevenagel condensation, Wittig reaction, and palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings. The most important chemical properties are transformations under the action of mono- and dinucleophiles, ambiphilic cyclizations, and cycloaddition reactions. The cross-conjugated and polyelectrophilic dienone system in 3-vinylchromones provides their high reactivity and makes these compounds valuable building blocks for the preparation of more complex heterocyclic systems. Chemical transformations of 3-vinylchromones usually begin with an attack of the C-2 atom and are accompanied by the opening of the pyrone ring followed by recyclization, in which the carbonyl group of chromone, an exo-double bond or a substituent on it can take part. The mechanisms of the reactions are discussed, the conditions for their implementation are described, and the yields of the resulting products are given. This review focuses on an analysis and generalization of the knowledge that has accumulated on the chemistry of electron-deficient 3-vinylchromones, mostly over the past 15 years.

1 Introduction

2 Synthesis of 3-Vinylchromones

3 Reactions with Mononucleophiles

4 Reactions with Dinucleophiles

5 Ambiphilic Cyclization

6 Cycloaddition Reactions

7 Other Reactions

8 Conclusion

Efficient Synthesis of Chromones with Alkenyl Functionalities by the Heck Reaction

The usefulness of the Heck reaction in the field of chromones has been demonstrated. Bromochromones with the halogen atom in their rings A and B were reacted with various terminal alkenes to give hitherto unknown alkenyl‐substituted chromones. Reactivity of the substrates was found to markedly depend on the position of the bromine atom. Under phosphine‐free conditions using a phase‐transfer catalyst additive (tetrabutylammonium bromide), shorter reaction periods and usually higher yields were obtained.

Effects of Simple and Angular Chromones on Tumor Cell Respiration

A set of structurally related compounds incorporating a chromone moiety as an essential component of their structures were tested against the TA3 mouse carcinoma cell line and its multidrug-resistant variant TA3-MTX-R. A tentative structure–activity relationship was found for this family of substances, suggesting that a Michael addition at C-1 is involved in the mechanism that provokes the activities.