TBAF-catalyzed cyclization of 6-hydroxyhex-2-ynoates and 7-hydroxyhept-2-ynoates

Tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride (TBAF) was found to be capable of catalyzing the intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of 6-hydroxyhex-2-ynoates and 7-hydroxyhept-2-ynoates. The reaction could be used to prepare 2,5-substituted THF rings and 2,6-substituted THP rings.