A Novel Multicomponent Reaction of Arynes, 16-Keto Sulfones, and Michael-Type Acceptors: A Direct Synthesis of Polysubstituted Naphthols and Naphthalenes.

A novel multicomponent reaction of arynes, β-keto sulfones, and Michael-type acceptors is presented, providing an efficient method for the synthesis of polysubstituted naphthols and polysubstituted naphthalenes. Further investigation suggests that the tandem reaction may proceed via a sequential nucleophilic attack to arynes, intramolecular nucleophilic substitution followed by a Michael addition, and a ring closure-elimination process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]