# Generation of Polysubstituted Tetrahydrofurans via Urea-Enabled, Pd-Catalyzed Olefin Heteroannulation

## TL;DR

Scientists developed a new method using palladium and urea to create complex THF rings, which are important in making natural products.

## Contribution

A novel Pd-catalyzed heteroannulation method enabled by urea ligands for synthesizing polysubstituted THF rings.

## Key findings

- Urea-enabled Pd catalysis couples 2-bromoallyl alcohols and 1,3-dienes to form THF rings.
- The method allows diverse ambiphiles and dienes to generate THF products with varied substitution patterns.
- THF products can be transformed into core scaffolds found in polyketide natural products.

## Abstract

Herein, we report a palladium-catalyzed heteroannulation
approach
to couple 2-bromoallyl alcohols and 1,3-dienes to generate a broad
range of polysubstituted tetrahydrofuran (THF) rings enabled by urea
ligands. Under urea-enabled Pd catalysis, a structurally diverse range
of ambiphiles and dienes can be engaged to generate THF products with
varying substitution patterns. These products can be readily transformed
into prevalent core scaffolds in polyketide natural products.