4-N-(Acylmethyl)aminocoumarins or their ketal derivatives were prepare
d from 4-chlorocoumarin and alpha-amino ketones (chlorohydrates or ket
al derivatives) in ethanol/triethylamine media. Their subsequent treat
ment in acidic or basic media readily led to [1] benzopyrano[4,3-b]pyr
rol-4(1H)-ones.