Catalytic, Cascade Ring-Opening Benzannulations of 2,3-Dihydrofuran O,O- and N,O-Acetals.

An Al(OTf)3 -catalyzed intramolecular cascade ring-opening benzannulation of 2,3-dihydrofuran O,O- and N,O-acetals is described. The cascade sequence involves the dihydrofuran ring-opening by acetal hydrolysis, an intramolecular Prins-type cyclization, and aromatization to generate an array of benzo-fused (hetero)aromatic systems in up to 95 % yield. This method represents the first example of dihydrofuran acetal usage in benzannulation reactions.