Metal-Free Oxidative Annulation of 2-Naphthols with Terminal Alkynes Affording 2-Arylnaphtho[2,1-b]furans.

For the first time, the selective oxidative transformation of 2-naphthols with terminal alkynes is disclosed, which enables the straightforward synthesis of 2-arylnaphtho[2,1-b]furans in satisfactory yields under metal-free conditions. Mechanistic study suggests that the reaction proceeds via free-radical-mediated sp(2)-C-H bond activation, C-C coupling, and C-O cyclization.