FeCl3/ZnI2-Catalyzed regioselective synthesis of angularly fused furans

The FeCl3/ZnI2-catalyzed synthesis of angularly fused furans by intermolecular coupling between enols and alkynes has been developed in ambient air. The methodology is successfully applicable to 4-hydroxycoumarin, 4-hydroxyquinolinone and α-tetralone affording regioselective 2-aryl furans in good yields. The control experiments suggest the possibility of a radical reaction mechanism.