CuI/Cu(OTf)2/DMSO system-catalyzed intramolecular oxidative cyclization of (o-alkynyl)arylketones: Efficient synthesis of 1,4-naphthoquinones

Abstract A concise and efficient method for the synthesis of 1,4-naphthoquinones has been successfully developed involving a CuI/Cu(OTf)2/DMSO system-catalyzed intramolecular oxidative cyclization of (o-alkynyl)arylketones. The present protocol provided a novel approach to access functionalized 1,4-naphthoquinones from non-naphthoquinone precursors with good selectivity and functional group tolerance.