Iodide-Catalyzed Halocyclization/Cycloaddition/Elimination Cascade Reaction

An iodocyclization reaction of o-alkynylphenyl carboxaldehydes is reported that is truly catalytic with respect to the electrophilic iodine source. With a combination of tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI), Oxone as non-nucleophilic and easy to handle co-oxidant, and fluorinated protic solvents, highly substituted 1-naphthalenones could be prepared in high yields of up to 91%.