Efficient Synthesis of Arylated Furans by a Sequential Rh-Catalyzed Arylation and Cycloisomerization of Cyclopropenes

A novel and efficient strategy for the synthesis of arylated furans was successfully developed by a Rh-III-catalyzed coupling of N-phenoxyacetamides and cyclopropenyl esters. Mechanistic investigation reveals that the arylated furans are formed via arylation of the cyclopropenyl esters followed by cycloisomerization.