Synthesis of [5,6]-fused pyridocoumarins through aza-Claisen rearrangement of 6-propargylaminocoumarins

[5,6]-Fused pyridocoumarins are prepared through aza-Claisen rearrangement and subsequent in situ cyclization of 6-propargylaminocoumarins under microwave irradiation in the presence of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate in N,N-dimethylformamide. During this process demethoxycarbonylation is observed in the corresponding 4-carbomethoxycoumarin derivatives.