Pd-catalyzed cascade cyclization of 2-alkynylbenzoate-tethered cyclohexadienone was developed for the single step synthesis of isocoumarin-fused dihydrochromenones. This highly atom economical method proceeds via 6-endo-dig cyclization of tert-butyl benzoate with a tethered alkyne. By modulating the reaction solvent and metal catalyst, the methodology was diverted for the purposeful synthesis of either of the E/Z tetra-substituted alkenes.

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