An Improved and Large Scale Synthesis of the Natural Coumarin Scopoletin

Abstract Isovanillin was oxidized with magnesium monoperoxyphthalate to 4‐methoxyresorcinol ( 2 ) and the latter was reacted with 3‐oxopropionic acid ethylester prepared in situ to give scopoletin ( 1 ). These reactions can be achieved in kg scale in high yields.