Synthesis of naphthodihydrofurans via an iron(III)-catalyzed reduction radical cascade reaction

A convenient method for the synthesis of naphthodihydrofurans has been developed by iron(III)-catalyzed cascade reaction of reducing radicals. Using this protocol, a variety of spiro naphthodihydrofurans and polycyclic naphthodihydrofurans can be easily prepared. In addition, they can be further converted to polycyclic ethers and 2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-diones by derivatizing naphthodihydrofurans.