A new hydrative cyclization of 1,7- and 1,8-diynyl ethers is reported. Using catalytic InI(3) and p-TSA as a cocatalyst, several 2,2-disubstituted tetrahydrofurans with exocyclic enone appendages were prepared. Reaction optimization and scope, mechanistic insight, and further transformation to a C-nucleoside analog are presented.
© 2011 American Chemical Society