A novel double carbonylation reaction of aryl halides: selective synthesis of 5-arylfuranones.

Double CO inCOrporation: An atom-efficient synthesis of 4-arylfuranones from aryl halides, two molecules of CO, and terminal alkenes is reported (see scheme). 18 different 4-arylfuranones were synthesized in up to 83 % yield in a straightforward manner and with high regioselectivity. The range of the new 4-arylfuranones synthesized demonstrates the value and novelty of this procedure.