Visible-light promoted oxidative cyclization of cinnamic acid derivatives using xanthone as the photocatalyst.

We have developed an efficient photocatalytic synthesis of coumarin derivatives via a tandem double bond isomerization/oxidative cyclization of cinnamic acids. Inexpensive and stable xanthone was used as the photocatalyst, and readily available Selectfluor was used as the oxidant. This method tolerates a wide range of functional groups and offers excellent chemical yields in general. Besides, the photocatalytic oxidative cyclization of cinnamic acid esters gives dimerized lignan-type products.