A convenient and general synthesis of trans-3-hydroxyflavanones from chalcones by dimethyldioxirane epoxidation and subsequent base-catalyzed cyclization

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)60674-3

2'-Hydroxychalcone epoxides were found to give trans-3-hydroxyflavanone and 2-(α-hydroxybenzyl)-3-coumaranone under basic conditions. Epoxidation of 2'-hydroxychalcones with dimethyldioxirane followed by treatment of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide provides a convenient and general method for the synthesis of trans-3-hydroxyflavanones.