Abstract

The preliminary results of a regiospecific synthesis of (Z)-1 -(2-nitrobenzylidene)isochroman-3-ones by gold(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerization of phenylethynylacetic acids under mild conditions is described. These novel lactones proved to be suitable starting materials for a new, general access to 5H-benzo[b]carbazole6,11-diones.