Synthesis, absorption and fluorescence spectra as well as pK a values of 7- hydroxycoumarins with electron-withdrawing substituents in positions 3 are described. Introduction of a 4-cyano group is achieved by oxidative cyanation of coumarins using potassium cyanide and elemental bromine. 7-Hydroxycoumarins without a 4-cyano group are useful indicators for measuring physiological pH values due to their intense ...