Novel and efficient synthesis of iminocoumarins via copper-catalyzed multicomponent reaction.

A variety of substituted iminocoumarins are prepared in good to excellent yields via a copper-catalyzed multicomponenet reaction of sulfonyl azides, terminal alkynes, and salicylaldehydes or o-hydroxylacetophenones. The method is general, mild, versatile, and efficient. A plausible mechanism for the domino process is proposed.