Iodine-Catalyzed Cascade Annulation of 4-Hydroxycoumarins with Aurones: Access to Spirocyclic Benzofuran-Furocoumarins

An attractive approach for the preparation of spirocyclic benzofuran-furocoumarins has been developed through iodine-catalyzed cascade annulation of 4-hydroxycoumarins with aurones. The reaction involves Michael addition, iodination, and intramolecular nucleophilic substitution in a one-step process, and offers an efficient method for easy access to a series of valuable spirocyclic benzofuran-furocoumarins in good yields (up to 99%) with excellent stereoselectivity. Moreover, this unprecedented protocol provides several advantages, including readily available materials, an environmentally benign catalyst, a broad substrate scope, and a simple procedure.