Lewis Acid Catalyzed Cyclization of Propargylic Alcohols with 2-Vinylphenol.

An unprecedented Lewis acid catalyzed, protection-free, and high-efficiency synthesis of valuable 3,4-dihydro-2H-2,4-methanochromans via cycloaddition of propargylic alkynols with 2-vinylphenol is described. This cycloaddition protocol, which tolerates a wide variety of functional groups, provides practical, versatile, and atom-economical access to a new class of appealing bridged-ring products in satisfactory yields. Compared with the reported reaction conditions for bridged-ring skeletons synthesis, the present reaction conditions are neutral, mild, and without any additives.