Synthesis of 3-trifluoroethylfurans by palladium-catalyzed cyclization-isomerization of (Z)-2-alkynyl-3-trifluoromethyl allylic alcohols

Hydroiodonation of trifluoromethyl propargylic alcohols 1 regio- and stereoselectively produce (Z)-2-iodo-3-trifluoromethyl allylic alcohols 2. (Z)-2-Alkynyl-3-trifluoromethyl allylic alcohols 5, available through Pd(PPh3)(4)-mediated coupling of 2 and terminal alkynes 4, cyclize and subsequently isomerize to 3-trifluoroethylfurans 6 upon catalysis under PdCl2(CH3CN)(2) in THF at 5-10 degrees C.