Catalytic Three-Component Synthesis of Functionalized Naphtho[2,1-b]oxecines via a Double Bond Cleavage–Rearrangement Cascade

A new double annulation cascade involving a [2 + 2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization (CA–RE) process was first reported, leading to the generation of unprecedented dibenzoannulated naphtho­[2,1-b]­oxecines with good to excellent yields and high stereoselectivity through catalytic scission/recombination of C–C double bonds under the mild conditions. An Y­(OTf)3-catalyzed three-component reaction of α-alkynyl naphthalen-2-ols with β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters enabled direct ring expansion of the naphthalene ring and carbon–carbon double bond cleavage/rearrangement of α-ketoesters to give macrocyclic architectures.