Abstract
Detailed investigation on the synthesis of 7-methylcoumarin by condensation of m-cresol and fumaric acid, maleic acid or malic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid has been carried out, and the reaction mechanism wass discussed 7-methylcoumarin was obtained in slightly above 20% yield . In the case of malic acid was given the highest yield. The mechanism of reaction is the same as in the case of 6-methylcoumarin. Accordingly the first step is esterification, sulfuric acid being esterifying agent, and the second step is the formation of 7-methylcoumarin, sulfuric acid acting as a cyclization agent. It is considered the-Pechamann reaction have taken place in the case of malic acid.
