Cu-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative C–O Cyclization for the Synthesis of Furan-Fused Thienoacenes

The first Cu-catalyzed dehydrogenative C-O cyclization for the synthesis of furan-fused thienoacenes is described. A variety of heteroacenes including a thieno[3,2-b]furan or a thieno[2,3-b]furan skeleton were synthesized by intramolecular C-H/O-H coupling. The use of a mixed solvent of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, and toluene was essential for suppressing side reactions and efficiently promoting the reaction. Double C-O cyclization was also conducted to afford highly π-expanded furan-fused thienoacenes.