Electrophilic cyclization of 3-alkynyl-4-chalcogen-2-H-chromenes: synthesis of 3-halo-chalcogenophene[3,2-c]chromene derivatives

An efficient synthesis of 3-halo-chalcogenophene[3,2-c]chromene has been accomplished via electrophilic cyclization reaction of 3-alkynyl-4-chalcogen-2H-chromene using I2, PhSeBr, and BuTeBr3 as electrophilic sources. The cyclization reaction proceeded cleanly under mild reaction conditions, and 3-halochalcogen-chromenes were formed in good yields. In addition, the obtained 3-iodo-chalcogenophene-chromenes were readily transformed to more complex products using a metal–halogen exchange reaction with n-BuLi and trapping the lithium-intermediate formed with aldehyde, furnishing the desired secondary alcohol in good yield. Conversely, using the palladium catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with terminal alkynes and boronic acid, we were able to obtain the Sonogashira and Suzuki type products in good yields.