Zn(CF3SO3)2—mediated domino hydroamination-ring cleavage of 2,5-dihydrofuran

By using Zn(CF3SO3)2 as the catalyst, series of 2-arylamino-3-buten-1-ols (3) were successfully synthesized via domino hydroamination-ring cleavage of 2,5-dihydrofuran (1) with aromatic amines (2). A proton-induced and Zn(CF3SO3)2-assisted mechanism is proposed on the experimental basis, during which the proton is generated by the interaction between aniline and Zn(CF3SO3)2.