Copper-catalyzed (4+1) and (3+2) cyclizations of iodonium ylides with alkynes.

The copper(ii)-catalyzed (4+1) cyclizations and copper(i)-catalyzed (3+2) cycloadditions of iodonium ylides and alkynes were successfully developed by employing efficient and safe iodonium ylides instead of traditional diazo compounds. Highly functionalized dimethyl (E)-3-benzylideneindoline-2,2-dicarboxylates and methyl 5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methoxy-4-phenylfuran-3-carboxylates were conveniently prepared in moderate to excellent yields. The possible reaction mechanisms were also discussed.