Amlexanox [i.e., Aphthasol, Elix, Solfa, 2-amino-7-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid] was prepared by a sequence involving an esterification reaction, Fries rearrangement, Vilsmeier reaction, condensation, Michael addition, cyclization, ester hydrolysis and the synthesis of the target compound was achieved using 4-(1-methylethyl)phenol as a starting material and the product thus obtained was confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, MS spectra.The yield of the Vilsmeier reaction was increased by 30% compared a literature method by controlling the reaction temperature at -5-5° and the amount of phosphorous oxychloride at 4.5 times molar ratio to substrate.The yield of the hydrolysis step was 92% by using HCl instead of H2SO4-HOAc.Amlexanox is used as an antiallergic agent, antiinflammatory agent used in the treatment of aphthous ulcers and canker sores (oral ulcers).