Iridium‐Catalyzed Electrooxidative Annulation of Naphthol with Acrylate via C−H Bond Activation for the Synthesis of Naphtho[1,8‐bc]furan.

Iridium catalyzed electrochemical coupling of naphthols with acrylates for the syntheses of naphtho[1,8‐bc]furan derivatives are herein reported. Ir‐catalyzed electrochemical C−H annulation is accomplished within a supportive catalysis manifold, paving the way for electrooxidative C−H acrylation via weak O‐coordination. The merge of iridium catalysts and electric current not only minimizes the need for a stoichiometric amount of chemical oxidants but also confirms broad reaction compatibility with a variety of electronically and sterically diverse substrates. This utility provides a valuable method for producing a wide range of naphtho[1,8‐bc]furan derivatives in good to moderate yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]