Metal-Free Oxidative Annulation of 2‑Naphthols with Terminal Alkynes Affording 2‑Arylnaphtho[2,1-b]furans

For the first time, the selective oxidative transformation of 2-naphthols with terminal alkynes is disclosed, which enables the straightforward synthesis of 2-arylnaphtho­[2,1-b]­furans in satisfactory yields under metal-free conditions. Mechanistic study suggests that the reaction proceeds via free-radical-mediated sp2-C–H bond activation, C–C coupling, and C–O cyclization.