Synthesis of 4H-cyclopenta[c]furans via cooperative PdCl2-FeCl2 catalyzed cascade cyclization reaction involving a novel acyl rearrangement process.

We have discovered a novel PdCl(2)-FeCl(2) catalyzed cascade cyclization reaction, which involves a novel acyl rearrangement process. This reaction affords a diverse set of poly-substituted 4H-cyclopenta[c]furan products. The reaction scope of this cascade process is quite broad and various internal acetylenes can be employed.