Synlett 2006(8): 1209-1212  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-939686
LETTER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

A Convenient Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Furans from Propargylic Dithioacetals

Jui-Chang Tseng, Jia-Hong Chen, Tien-Yau Luh*
Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
Fax: +886(2)23644971; e-Mail: tyluh@ntu.edu.tw;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 29 November 2005
Publication Date:
05 May 2006 (online)

Abstract

A convenient procedure for the regioselective synthesis of tetrasubstituted furans from the corresponding propargylic dithioacetals is described. Treatment of propargylic dithioacetals with n-BuLi and an aldehyde followed by mercuric acetate promoted annulation and desulfurization affords the corresponding mercurio-substituted furans. Subsequent replacement of the mercury moiety with iodine yields the corresponding 2,4,5-trisubstituted 3-iodofurans. Transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of the iodofurans furnish a variety of tetrasubstituted furans.