Fe(III)-Catalyzed Highly Efficient Oxidative Cross-Coupling of 2-Naphthols and 2,6-Dihydroxynaphthalene with Furans

Catalytic oxidative cross-coupling has emerged as a vital tool for C-C bond formation. Herein, we disclose a hitherto unknown highly efficient catalytic oxidative cross-coupling of furans with 2-naphthols and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene using an earth-abundant Fe(III) catalyst. The methodology is characterized by exquisite chemoselectivity in oxidation, high cross-selectivity in coupling, excellent functional group tolerance, and a broad substrate scope. Mechanistic studies indicate chemoselective oxidation of naphthol in the presence of furan, despite their comparable oxidation potentials (Δ<i>E</i>_ox of 0.15 V).