An Unexpected Domino Reaction of β-Keto Sulfones with Acetylene Ketones Promoted by Base: Facile Synthesis of 3(2 H)-Furanones and Sulfonylbenzenes.

An unexpected domino reaction of β-keto sulfones with acetylene ketones has been developed. The domino reaction of β-keto sulfones with diynones proceeded smoothly in the presence of 30 mol% K₂CO₃ without other additives, and afforded the novel 3(2 H)-furanone derivatives. On replacing the diynones with terminal alkyne ketones, the reaction regioselectivity was changed and sulfonylbenzenes were obtained via benzannulation in good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]