A novel iodine-mediated tandem cyclization-cycloaddition reaction leading to polyoxacyclic ring systems.

A novel iodine-catalyzed tandem cyclization-cycloaddition reaction of ortho-alkynyl-substituted benzaldehydes leading to polyoxacyclic ring systems has been developed, which represents a useful approach towards the synthesis of the oxabicyclo-[3.2.1]octane ring skeleton found in a variety of natural products.