An efficient synthesis of ortho-N-Boc-arylmethyl ketone derivatives

A new and efficient method for the preparation of ortho-N-Boc-arylmethyl ketone derivatives is reported. The reaction involves the intermediacy of a 4-methylene-3,1-benzoaxin-2-one moiety which smoothly converts to the target compounds under acidic conditions. The ortho-N-Boc-arylmethyl ketone derivatives can be formed in a one-pot reaction or alternatively the 4-methylene-3,1-benzoaxin-2-ones can be isolated and subsequently transformed into the desired products.