Formal [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of electron-rich aryl epoxides with alkenes under Lewis acid catalysis affording tetrasubstituted tetrahydrofurans

Abstract

We report on the regio- and stereoselective synthesis of tetrahydrofurans by reaction between epoxides and alkenes in the presence of a Lewis acid. This is an unprecedented formal [3+2] cycloaddition reaction between an epoxide and an alkene. The chemical reaction represents a very concise synthesis of tetrahydrofurans from accessible starting compounds.