Tunable Phosphine-Mediated Domino Reaction: Selective Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydrofurans and Biaryls

We have developed a novel strategy to control the product distribution between 2,3-dihydrofurans and biaryls from the same starting materials by tuning the catalytic or stoichiometric process. By controlling the loading of the phosphine PR3, the MoritaBaylisHillman carbonates can be selectively used as a C1 or a C3 synthon, respectively. This investigation has given new insights into tunable domino reactions and will be useful in diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS).