Iodine-catalyzed 1,4-addition of 2-(trimethylsilyloxy)furan to α,β-unsaturated ketones: a facile synthesis of γ-butenolides

The α,β-unsaturated compounds undergo smooth conjugate addition with 2-(trimethylsilyloxy)furan (TMSF) in the presence of 10 mol % of iodine under mild and neutral conditions to afford the corresponding γ-substituted butenolides in high yields and with good diastereoselectivity. The use of iodine makes this procedure simple, convenient and cost effective.