The reaction of bromo-methoxysalicylaldehyde (4-6) and broma-hydroxysa
licylaldehyde (18) with carbethoxymethylenetriphenylphosphorane (2) in
diethylaniline under reflux gave unexpected debromocoumarins along wi
th an expected bromocoumarin. The oxygen function might facilitate deb
romination in the process of coumarin synthesis at an elevated tempera
ture.