Palladium-Catalyzed Oxidative Cycloisomerization of 2-Cinnamyl-1,3-Dicarbonyls: Synthesis of Functionalized 2-Benzyl Furans

A new palladium-catalyzed intramolecular oxidative cycloisomerization of readily available starting materials, 2-cinnamyl-1,3-dicarbonyls, has been demonstrated for the creation of structurally diverse 2-benzyl furans. The cycloisomerization occurs by a regioselective 5-exo-trig pathway. The reaction shows a broad substrate scope with good to excellent yields. Furthermore, a one-pot procedure has been executed by using readily available cinnamyl alcohols and 1,3-diketones.