A novel and efficient synthesis of diverse dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furans using the ceric ammonium nitrate-catalyzed formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,4-naphthoquinones to olefins and its application to furomollugin

Abstract

A novel approach was developed for the synthesis of diverse dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furans from 1,4-naphthoquinones and olefins in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate. This reaction provides a rapid route for the synthesis of a variety of dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furans and naphtho[1,2-b]furans bearing different substituents. This methodology was also used to synthesize the biologically important natural product furomollugin in only 2 steps.