Synthesis of Isocoumarins and α-Pyrones via Electrophilic Cyclization

A variety of substituted isocoumarins and alpha-pyrones are readily prepared in excellent yields under very mild reaction conditions by the reaction of o-(1-alkynyl)benzoates and (Z)-2-alken-4-ynoates with ICl, I(2), PhSeCl, p-O(2)NC(6)H(4)SCl, and HI. This methodology accommodates various alkynyl esters and has been successfully extended to the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic and biaryl compounds.