Scope and limitations of the double [4+3]-cycloadditions of 2-oxyallyl cations to 2,2'-methylenedifuran and derivatives.

The reactivity of various 2-oxyallyl cations toward 2,2'-methylenedifuran (1b), 2,2'-(hydroxymethyl)difuran (1c), 2,2'-(trimethylsilylmethylene)difuran (1d), and di(2-furyl)methanone (1e) has been explored. Difuryl derivatives 1c, 1d, and 1e refused to undergo formal double [4+3]-cycloadditions. Conditions have been found to convert 1b into meso-1,1'-methylenedi[(1R,1'S,5S,5'R)- (3) and (+/-)-1,1'-methylenedi[(1RS,1'SR,5SR,5'RS)-8-oxabicyclo[3.