Lewis Acid-Catalyzed [3 + 2]-Cyclization of Iodonium Ylides with Azadienes: Access to Spiro[benzofuran-2,2′-furan]-3-ones

A highly regioselective synthesis of spiro-[benzofuran-2,2 '-furan]-3-ones has been explored via Lewis acid-catalyzed [3 + 2] cyclization of iodonium ylides with azadienes. The acidity of the Lewis acid was significantly strengthened with strong hydrogen bond donors, thereby promoting the enolization isomerization of iodonium ylides for the subsequent cycloaddition. This reaction was compatible with a broad range of substrates under the mild reaction conditions, and efficiently delivered spiro-heterocycles with excellent stereoselectivity.