Syntheses of 4-(1-alkynyl)-2(5H)-furanones and coumarins via the palladium catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of potassium alkynyltrifluoroborates

An efficient synthesis of 4-(1-alkynyl)-2(5H)-furanones has been developed utilizing a palladium catalyzed coupling reaction of beta-tetronic acid bromide with potassium alkynyltrifluoroborates in the absence of base. 4-Alkynylcoumarins were also synthesized using this method. The reactions are straightforward and the yields are excellent. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.