Copper-catalyzed tandem alkynylation, propargyl–allenyl isomerization, 6π-electrocyclization of Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts to naphthalenes

An expedient synthetic approach of naphthalenes was developed by the reaction of Morita–Baylis–Hillman bromides and arylacetylenes. The synthesis was carried out via a tandem copper-catalyzed alkynylation, propargyl–allenyl isomerization, and 6π-electrocyclization protocol.