Synthesis of sterically congested bicyclic tetrahydrofurans via Pd-catalyzed cyclization

Prins-type cyclization followed by palladium-catalyzed cyclization provided sterically congested bi- or tricyclic tetrahydrofurans, which are very stereoselective as well. cis-2,5-Disubstituted tetrahydrofurans obtained from Prins-type cyclization have an allenyl group and a functional group such as alcohol, carboxylic acid, and aryl halide. The tetrahydrofurans bearing an allene group underwent palladium-catalyzed cyclization to give sterically congested bi- or tricyclic tetrahydrofurans.