Methodology study and a practical, cost efficient synthesis of a 3-(2-Methyl-1-Oxo-Indan-2-Ylmethyl)-Isochromen-1-One

1-Oxo-1H-isochromene-3-carbaldehyde (1) reacts with Indan-1-one (2) to offer 4-(1-Oxo-indan-2ylidenemethyl)-isochromen-1-one (3) which on reaction with liquid ammonia produces 3-(1-Oxo-indan-2ylmethyl)-isochromen-1-one (4). Compound 4 is reduced with LDA to 3-(2-Methyl-1-oxo-indan-2-ylmethyl)isochromen-1-one (5). The structures of the compounds are confirmed by spectral data.