Synthesis of a 4H-anthra[1,2-b]pyran derivative and its antimicrobial activity.

The five-step synthesis of the new 4H-anthra[1,2-b]pyran derivative 1 is reported. The key steps in this approach included a Marschalk alkylation of 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone followed by a Baker-Venkataraman reaction and then an acid-catalyzed cyclization of ring A to form the 4H-anthra[1,2-b]pyran system. Two compounds, the 4H-anthra[1,2-b]pyran 1 and the anthraquinone derivative 6 were evaluated for antimicrobial activity and showed moderate antialgal, antifungal, and antibacterial activities.