Synthesis of Fused Furans and Thiophenes via Ruthenium-Catalyzed Atom-Transfer [2+2+1] Cycloadditions of α,ω-Diynes

Furans and thiophenes are important five-membered heterocyclic compounds that are found in natural products, functional materials, and pharmaceutics. This account outlines our studies on ruthenium-catalyzed atom-transfer [2+2+1] cycloadditions toward the synthesis of fused furans and thiophenes. 1 Introduction 2 Synthesis of Furans using Dimethyl Sulfoxide as the Oxygen Donor 3 Synthesis of 2-Silylfurans Using Nitrones as Oxygen Donors 4 Synthesis of Thiophenes Using Thiocarbonyls as Sulfur Donors 5 Conclusions