Heterocyclic synthesis with nitriles: Synthesis of some new chromone and flavone and its utilization for the synthesis of potentially antitumorigenicpolycyclic chromones and flavones.

A new synthesis of chromones and flavones based on the reaction of 2-hydrox y-1-acetonaphthone (1) with cinammonitriles (2 a-h) is described. Structure s of the compounds are established by chemical and spectral data. This synt hetic approach appears general in its applicability. It has been applied to the synthesis of a series of polycyclic chromone and flavone compounds con taining the naphthalene and pyrene ring systems that hold promise as agents for the chemo preventation of cancer.