An efficient strategy to syntheses of isoflavones.

Isoflavones were synthesized by two steps in good yields, starting from commercially available 2-hydroxyacetophenones and benzene analogs. First, intermediate 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-ones were obtained by the condensation of 2-hydroxyacetophenones and DMF-DMA in DMF with high yields. Second, isoflavones were synthesized by irradiation of 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop- 2-en-1-ones in the presence of iodine using benzene analogs as solvent under a mercury lamp.