A simple and efficient approach to the synthesis of highly functionalized fused benzochromenes

Protonation of the reactive intermediates produced in the reaction between tert-butyl isocyanide and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate or dibenzoylacetylene, by 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol, 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene or 4-methyl-8-hydroxycoumarin leads to vinylnitrilium cations, which undergo carbon-centered Michael type addition with the conjugate base of the naphthols to produce highly functionalized benzochromenes.