ReCl(CO)5-catalyzed cyclocondensation of phenols with 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol to afford 2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromenes

A direct one-pot route for the synthesis of 2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromenes by Re(CO)5Cl-catalyzed cyclocondensation of phenols with 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol has been developed. The easy availability of starting materials, mild reaction conditions, high atom-efficiency, and the use of a recoverable catalyst are advantages of this procedure.