Versatility of 2-Oxobenzo[h]chromene for the Synthesis of Oxabenzo[c]chrysenes

An innovative and concise synthesis of (7,8-dihydro-5-oxabenzo[c]chrysene-6-ylidene)acetonitriles is described through base catalyzed ring transformation of 2-oxo-4-piperidin-1-yl-5,6-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]chromene-3-carbonitriles with 1-tetralone in very good yields.