The reaction of ethyl acetoacetate with meta-cresol in an acidic ionic liquid yielded a complex mixture of condensation products. 4,7-Dimethyl-coumarin and the title compound, C(20)H(22)O(3), were isolated. The title compound shows chemical but not crystallographic mirror symmetry. The two aromatic rings are inclined at an angle of 73.55 (6)°.