Zinc-catalyzed multicomponent reactions: Straightforward synthesis of functionalized furan derivatives

Abstract

A sequence consisting of an initial zinc-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of and forms enynone. Then a 5-exo-dig cyclization takes place to give rise to 2-furyl-zinc carbene intermediate. A final cyclopropanation reaction or insertion into the Si-H bond would account for the formation of the final products