Palladium-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization and Aerobic Oxidative Cycloisomerization of Homoallenyl Amides: A Facile and Divergent Approach to 2-Aminofurans

A Pd-catalyzed divergent cyclization, including cycloisomerization and aerobic oxidative cycloisomerization of homoallenyl amides, is described. Varieties of functionalized 2-amino-5-alkylfurans and 2-amino-5-formylfurans can be selectively synthesized in good to excellent yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies show that peroxide may be a key intermediate for this Pd-catalyzed radical aerobic oxidative cycloisomerization of homoallenyl amides. The mild reaction conditions, high atom economy, and utilization of air as the oxygen source make this protocol very environmentally benign and practical to the synthetic community.