A convenient method for the synthesis of baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) and 4′-methylgamatin (4-methoxy-3-methyl-7-phenylfuro-[3,2-g][1]benzopyran-5-one)

We report a modified synthesis of baicalein by Dakin oxidation of 6-acetyl-5,7-dihydroxyflavone (I)(obtained by condensation of phloroacetophenone with ethyl benzoylacetate), and the elaboration of a furan ring on structure (I) by a conventional method to give 4′-methylgamatin.