A simple and efficient synthesis of 2-alkylazulenes

The annulation method based on 2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-ones was applied for the synthesis of 2-alkylazulenes; 2-R-azulene (R = Et, i-Pr, n-Pr, i-Bu). Tropolone p-toluenesulfonate was used as a starting compound. By the two step synthesis, 1-carboxylic-3-cyanoazulene derivatives were obtained. Treatment of 1-carboxylic-3-cyanoazulene derivatives with aq H2SO4 resulted in decarboxylation and elimination of cyano group to give 2-alkylazulenes in good yields.