Efficient Synthesis of Chromenes from Vinyl o-Quinone Methides via a Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Electrocyclization Process

An efficient approach for the synthesis of chromene derivatives from vinyl o-quinone methides was established via a Brønsted acid catalyzed electrocyclization. By using this methodology, a series of structurally diversified chromenes was synthesized in a highly atom-economic and environmentally benign manner with generally good to excellent yields (up to 98% yield). This reaction will not only provide an efficient method for the construction of chromene scaffolds, but also enrich the research area of o-quinone methides.