Synthesis,proton NMR stereochemical study and diels-alder reaction of (E)-7-arylidene-2H,6H-naphtho[1,8-bc]furan-2,6-diones

7-Arylidene-2H,6H-naphtho1,8-bc]furan-2,6-diones 3 were prepared by a retro-Diels-Alder reaction of the corresponding dihydro 1,3-oxazines 2 or in a one pot synthesis from 6-hydroxy-2H-naphtho1,8-bc]furan-2-one 1 . Their E configuration was established from the chemical shift's values of the vinylic proton and by ¹H nmr NOE difference spectroscopy. Cycloadditions of 3b upon styrene or stilbene were catalyzed by boron trifluoride etherate. The cycloadducts were obtained with the relative trans configuration.