Synthesis of hexacyclic fused isocoumarin framework through selective domino multicyclizations under catalyst and solvent free conditions

A novel fused isocoumarin skeleton has been synthesized through selective domino multicyclizations by mixing homothallic acid and 2,3-diphenylacryloyl chloride at 200℃ under catalyst and solvent free reaction conditions. Six fused rings with two stereogenic centers were assembled in a convenient onepot operation in good yield. The resulting hexacyclic fused isocoumarin skeleton and its stereochemistry was fully characterized and unambiguously confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis.