Direct
annulation of benzoic acids with phenols via palladium-catalyzed
oxidative coupling is reported. Readily available and inexpensive
starting materials were used in this novel method to synthesize highly
valuable and useful dibenzopyranone scaffolds. Broad substrate scope
and simple operation make this method potentially practical. Preliminary
mechanistic studies were conducted to understand this chemistry and
inspire new designs of oxidative coupling of different functionalized
arenes