A novel and efficient synthesis of xanthones is described. 2-(Trimethylsilyl)phenyl 2-fluorobenzoate derivatives undergo Fries-type rearrangement and intramolecular SNAr reaction in a one-pot sequential manner under fluoride ion-promoted mild conditions. The method provides efficient access to xanthones that have significant steric congestion around the C9 carbonyl, which are not readily available
corresponding ethers, which have thus far been unavailable. The obtained ethers underwent the Claisen rearrangement at room temperature by treatment with silica gel in toluene. This two-step protocol provides expeditious and high-yield access to xanthones possessing isoprenyl or the relatedallylic side chain at the C2 position.