Synthesis of Naphtho[1,8-bc]pyran Derivatives and Related Compounds Through Hydroxy Group Directed C-H Bond Cleavage Under Rhodium Catalysis

The straightforward and efficient synthesis of naphtho[1,8-bc]pyran derivatives and related polycyclic compounds is achieved by the rhodium-catalyzed oxidative coupling of 1-naphthols or other phenolic and alcoholic substrates with alkynes. In these annulation reactions, the hydroxy groups effectively act as the key function for the regioselective C-H bond cleavage.