Synthesis and photochemical properties of phenoxy derivatives of anthra[2,3-b]furan-5,10-dione

Abstract

Nucleophilic replacement of the hydroxy groups in ethyl 4,11-dihydroxy-2-methyl-5,10-dioxo-5,10-dihydroanthra[2,3-b]furan-3-carboxylate by chlorine upon treatment with phosphorus acid chlorides gave the corresponding 4(11)-chloro derivatives which were converted into photochromic ethyl 4(11)-phenoxy-2-methyl-5,10-dioxo-5,10-dihydroanthra[2,3-b]furan-3-carboxylates. Photoinduced decomposition of the latter leads to the formation of phenol and fluorescent hydroxyanthra[2,3-b]furandiones.