An efficient Heck coupling of 2-hydroxy-3-iodo-naphthoquinone with a series of electron-deficient alkenes in aqueous solution has been accomplished. The method is characterized by simple conditions and facile work-up to ...

An efficient divergent synthesis of both streptocarpone and racemic α-dunnione from lawsone are described. A one-pot, formal [3+2] cyclization to form a furanonaphthoquinone directly provided a common intermediate.