AbstractA series of furan–yne systems were transformed into the corresponding para-benzoquinone derivatives by gold(ΙΙΙ) catalyst. The two-step procedure consisted of a phenol synthesis and subsequent oxidation with iodobenzene diacetate. The reactions can be carried out in a one-pot procedure with the same precatalyst. The para-benzoquinone could simply be converted into the corresponding hydroquinones by reduction with sodium dithionate. This protocol features high efficiency, mild conditions, and wide substrate scopes.
High chemoselectivity in the phenol synthesis
