4-dimethylaminopyridine-catalyzed cascade reaction for efficient synthesis of naphthofurans

Abstract

A convenient and efficient method was developed for the synthesis of naphtho[2,1-b]furans via 4-dimethylaminopyridine(DMAP)-catalyzed cascade reaction of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehydes and α-halogenated ketones in moderate to good yields in the presence of Na2CO3 at 80 oC for 6 h. The mechanism for this process was briefly discussed with a tentative catalytic cycle proposed. Moreover, this method features organocatalysts and high step-economy, which make it practical and attractive.