The two phenolic 1, 4-diketones, Ia and Ib, have been subjected to the action of pyridine and iodine, followed by action of alkali. In this manner, Ia is converted into the coumarandione 11, the structure of which has been proved by two independent syntheses. The chemistry of I1 has been explored, and in particular it has been converted into its 5-hydroxy derivative 111, and the structure of the latter has also been confirmed by an independent synthesis. ...
