Synthesis of novel mercury heterocycles

Fused heterocyclic systems containing mercury have been synthesized from a two step reaction sequence from 4-bromomethylcoumarins/1-azacoumarins and o-chloro/acetoxymercury phenols. In the second step intramolecular mercuration is effected at the alpha position with respect to the carbonyl group leading to the formation of seven member ring containing oxygen and mercury.