Microwave assisted Perkin reaction for the synthesis of α-arylidine-γ-phenyl-∆, β, γ-butenolides

Perkin condensation with subsequent intramolecular lactonisation as one pot synthesis of α-arylidine-γ-phenyl-∆,β,γbutenolides have been studied under microwave irradiation. The butenolides are cleaved to give keto acids, which are the precursors of pericarbonyl lactone lignans possessing variety of biological activities. Syntheses of butenolides have been carried out using pyridine as a catalyst under microwave conditions. The generality of this protocol has been demonstrated by synthesizing a variety of substituted butenolides in excellent yields, short reaction time and with good purity compared to those under classical thermal conditions. All the products have been characterized by their IR, H NMR and UV spectral values.