The synthesis and degradation of 3-acylphthalides

Abstract

3-Acetyl- and 3-benzoyl-phthalides have been synthesized. The former was stable to alkaline degradation but the latter yielded phthalide and benzoic acid, together with other products. The results support the mechanism previously proposed for the base-induced conversion of radicicol dimethyl ether into the corresponding phthalide. Attempts to prepare 3-p-nitrobenzoylphthalide are described.