Synthesis of Difurylmethane Derivatives via the Gold‐Catalyzed Tandem Cycloisomerization/Dimerization of Epoxide Alkynes

A simple and convenient synthetic approach to difurylmethane derivatives has been developed via gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1-oxiranyl-2-alkynyl esters and dimerization of the 2-(α-hydroxyalkyl)furans. The reaction takes place in the presence of 2 mol% of tetrachloroauric acid tetrahydrate (HAuCl4⋅4 H2O) under very mild conditions.