Facile synthesis of multisubstituted 2,3-dihydrofurans <i>via</i> intermolecular cyclization of enals or alkyl/aryl aldehydes with acyl-stabilized sulfur ylides

Reported herein is a general strategy for the synthesis of multisubstituted 2,3-dihydrofurans through pivalic acid- and DABCO-promoted intermolecular cyclization of aldehydes with acyl-stabilized sulfur ylides. Following this process, a series of 2,3-dihydrofuran derivatives were prepared in good yields with a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility under mild conditions.