Synthesis of novel antitumor agent 1-methoxy-5,10- dioxo-5,10-dihydro-1H-benzo[g]isochromene carboxylic acid (3-dimethylylaminopropyl)amide with a dual role Pd(II) catalyst.

A convenient and simple method for the synthesis of 1-methoxy-5,10-dioxo-5,10-dihydro-1H-benzo[g]isochromene-3-carboxylic acid (3-(dimethylamino)propyl)amide 4c was developed. The key step involves the easy formation of 1,3-disubstituted cyclic alkenyl ether, an important framework of isochromene natural products, with a dual role Pd(II) catalyst.