Domino Michael-O-alkylation reaction: one-pot synthesis of 2,4-diacylhydrofuran derivatives and its application to antitumor naphthofuran synthesis

The reaction of enolates of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with alpha -halo-alpha, beta -unsaturated carbonyl compounds affords 2,4-diacyldihydrofuran derivatives in the presence of DBU in THF. Chemical manganese dioxide oxidation of the hydrofurans leads to 2,4-diacylfuran derivatives. Application of the protocol enables short-step syntheses of antitumor naphthofuran natural products.