A convenient approach to the design and synthesis of indolo[3,2-c]coumarins via the microwave-assisted Cadogan reaction

3-(4,5-Dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)coumarins bearing various substituents on the benzene ring of the coumarin system have been prepared from salicylaldehydes and 2-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)acetonitrile by means of the Perkin condensation. Further cyclization of these 3-aryl coumarins through the microwave-assisted Cadogan reaction afforded the corresponding indolo[3,2-c]coumarins in good to excellent yields.