From Furan–Yne Systems to para-Benzoquinone Derivatives: Gold-Catalyzed Cyclization and Oxidation, and Further Reduction by Sodium Dithionate

A series of furan–yne systems were transformed into the corresponding para-benzoquinone derivatives by gold(ΙΙΙ) catalyst. The two-step procedure consisted of a phenol synthesis and subsequent oxidation with iodobenzene diacetate. The reactions can be carried out in a one-pot procedure with the same precatalyst. The para-benzoquinone could simply be converted into the corresponding hydroquinones by reduction with sodium dithionate. This protocol features high efficiency, mild conditions, and wide substrate scopes.