Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Intramolecular Allylic Substitution Reaction of Allylic Alcohols: A Facile Synthesis of 2-Vinylchromans

Abstract Brønsted acid catalyzed intramolecular allylic substitution reaction of secondary and tertiary allylic alcohols has been developed. A variety of 2-vinylchromans were efficiently prepared in moderate to excellent yields. The given method features wide substrate scope, operational simplicity, and mild, metal-free reaction conditions. The practicability of the method was demonstrated by a gram-scale reaction and further derivations of the product. Preliminarily studies on a catalytic asymmetric reaction were also undertaken.