A novel multicomponent reaction of arynes, [beta]-keto sulfones, and Michael-type acceptors: A direct synthesis of polysubstituted naphthols and naphthalenes

A novel multicomponent reaction of arynes, [beta]-keto sulfones and Michael-type acceptors has provided an efficient method for the synthesis of polysubstituted naphthols and polysubstituted naphthalenes. It is shown that the tandem reaction might proceed via a sequential nucleophilic attack to arynes, intramolecular nucleophilic substitution followed by a Michael addition and a ring closure-elimination process.