DBU‐Catalyzed Benzannulation towards Stilbene and Biaryl Derivatives from Acyclic Amides with Methyl Coumalate

Abstract The DBU‐catalyzed benzylation of 1H‐benzotriazole amides with methyl coumalate is demonstrated for the synthesis of stilbenes and biaryl derivatives. The transformation involves the base‐catalyzed Michael addition of methyl coumalate to the 6π‐electrocyclic ring opening decarboxylation aromatization. Furthermore, the novel 2‐phenylnaphthalene derivatives showed potent anti‐proliferative and anti‐invasive activities against H1299 cells.