Iodoaromatization reactions of enyne-dioxinones: syntheses of 4H-1,3-benzodioxin-4-ones, masked pentasubstituted arenes.

Sequential reaction of a keto-dioxinone with dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal and a range of magnesium acetylides gave the corresponding enyne-dioxinones as mixtures of E and Z isomers (E > Z). Subsequent reaction with iodine monochloride resulted in cycloaromatization, presumably via an iodovinyl cation, giving a range of 4H-1,3-benzodioxin-4-ones.