Synthesis of 3(2 H )-furanone derivatives: p -TsOH/halotrimethylsilane promoted cycloketonization of γ -hydroxyl ynones.

A p -TsOH/halotrimethylsilane facilitated cycloketonization of γ -hydroxyl ynones is detailed. This methodology enables the one-step synthesis of polysubstituted 3(2 H )-furanone products. It is remarkable that the reaction exhibits excellent regio- and chemoselectivity by the addition of very small quantities of p -toluenesulfonic acid and water.