2-Alkylidene-benzo[1,3]dioxin-4-ones: a new class of compounds

A new class of compounds, 2-alkylidene-benzo[1,3]dioxin-4-ones, have been synthesised by cyclisation of the corresponding o-acyloxy benzoyl chlorides with triethylamine. The 2-methylene-benzo[1,3]dioxin-4-one acts as a prodrug for aspirin and is a useful intermediate in the synthesis of new aspirin prodrugs.