A novel multicomponent reaction of arynes, beta-keto sulfones, and michael-type acceptors: a direct synthesis of polysubstituted naphthols and naphthalenes.

A novel multicomponent reaction of arynes, beta-keto sulfones, and Michael-type acceptors is presented, providing an efficient method for the synthesis of polysubstituted naphthols and polysubstituted naphthalenes. Further investigation suggests that the tandem reaction may proceed via a sequential nucleophilic attack to arynes, intramolecular nucleophilic substitution followed by a Michael addition, and a ring closure-elimination process.