In this work, a synthetic method for the synthesis of
2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furans
employing synergistic Lewis–Brønsted
Acid catalyzed cyclization of ortho-alkynylarylcyclopropylketones
has been developed. Benefits of our method included low catalyst loading,
low cost of catalyst, short reaction time, and mild conditions which
could be applied to a broad range of substrates, including a terminal
alkyne (R = H), to provide generally high yields of the desired products.
In addition, we found that 2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furan derivatives could be isomerized to give 5,6-dihydrotetraphen-7-ol
anaologs under acidic conditions via Friedel–Crafts-type alkylation
in good to excellent yields. However, these products were not stable
and gradually converted to the corresponding quinones. The competent
transformation was successfully obtained by treating with m-CPBA in the presence of NaHCO3 to provide the
desired quinone products in good to excellent yields.