Cycloaromatization Protocol for Synthesis of Polysubstituted Phenol Derivatives: Method Development and Mechanistic Studies

The scope of the cycloaromatization of propargylic ethers was explored using operationally simple air- and moisture-insensitive conditions. Highly substituted phenol derivatives were obtained in high yields. Mechanistic experiments indicate that the reaction occurs by an electrocyclization followed by 1,3-proton transfer.