The reaction of enolates of 1, 3-dicarbonyl compounds with α-halo-α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds affords 2, 4-diacyldihydrofuran derivatives in the presence of DBU in THF. Chemical manganese dioxide oxidation of the hydrofurans leads to 2, 4-diacylfuran derivatives. Application of the protocol enables short-step syntheses of antitumor naphthofuran natural products.
