An improved and large scale synthesis of the natural coumarin scopoletin

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/ardp.19953281009

Isovanillin was oxidized with magnesium monoperoxyphthalate to 4-methoxyresorcinol (2) and the latter was reacted with 3-oxo-propionic acid ethylester prepared in situ to give scopoletin (1). These reactions can be achieved in kg scale in high yields.