Mild regiospecific synthesis of 1-alkoxy-isochromenes catalyzed by well-defined [silver(I)(pyridine-containing ligand)] complexes.

The synthesis of 3-substituted-1-alkoxyisochromenes starting from 2-alkynylbenzaldehydes and different alcohols is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by a silver(I) complex with an original macrocyclic pyridine-containing ligand. The approach is characterized by absolute regioselectivity, mild reaction conditions, good to excellent reaction yields, cleanness of the reaction, and reduced purification steps. The reaction mechanism was investigated by in-depth (1)H NMR experiments and an aimed "trapping" experiment.