CuBr2-catalyzed alkylation of furans with benzyl alcohols and benzaldehydes. Domino reactions including this alkylation as a key step

A CuBr2-catalyzed alkylation of furans with a broad scope of benzyl alcohols and benzaldehydes is reported. Reaction proceeds efficiently under mild reaction conditions requiring no inert atmosphere or other precautions. Moreover, it is shown that CuBr2 catalyzes domino reactions of furans with benzyl alcohols or benzaldehydes bearing a nucleophilic moiety in the ortho-position. These protocols offer a practical approach to densely substituted heterocyclic motifs from easily available furans. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd