(π-Allyl) palladium triflate coordinated with 1, 2-bis (4-methoxyphenyl)-3, 4-bis (2, 4, 6-tri-t- butylphenylphosphinidene) cyclobutene (DPCB–OMe),[Pd (η3-C3H5)(DPCB–OMe)] OTf, efficiently catalyzes cyclodehydration of cis–2-butene-1, 4-diol with active methylene compounds such as acetylacetone and ethyl acetoacetate in toluene in the presence of pyridine. The reactions can be performed in air, giving 2-vinyl-2, 3-dihydrofurans in good ...