Diastereoselective Synthesis of 2<i>H</i>,5<i>H</i>-Dihydrofurans by Cobalt-Mediated Cycloisomerization of Allyl Propargyl Ethers. Application to Poly-THF Molecules

Abstract

Allyl propargyl ethers undergo cobalt-mediated cycloisomerization reactions to form dihydrofurans in good yield and with excellent diastereoselectivity. The reaction works with a range of substrates, and its utility in synthesis is exemplified by the preparation of a bistetrahydrofuran unit. [reaction: see text]