Synthesis of polysubstituted furans based on a stepwise Sonogashira coupling of (Z)-3-iodoalk-2-en-1-ols with terminal propargylic alcohols and subsequent Au(I)- or Pd(II)-catalyzed cyclization-aromatization via elimination of [H.sub.2]O

The Sonogashira coupling of 3-iodoalk-2-en-1-ols in presence of iodine with terminal propargyl alcohols to form 4-alkyn-2-ene-1,6-diols is described. The results revealed that different alkyl or aryl groups could be introduced into different positions of furans due to the substituent-loading capability of 3-iodoalkenols and diversity of the terminal propargyl alcohols and allylic bromides.