An
efficient method for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted furans was
developed by utilizing the [1,2]-phospha-Brook rearrangement under
Brønsted base catalysis. The two-step one-pot formal [3 + 2]
cycloaddition involves the nucleophilic addition of a propargyl anion,
which is catalytically generated through the [1,2]-phospha-Brook rearrangement,
to an aldehyde and the subsequent intramolecular cyclization mediated
by N-iodosuccinimide to provide 2,4,5-trisubstituted-3-iodofurans.
The present method with readily available substrates provides new
access to a wide range of well-organized tetrasubstituted furans.