Derivatives of 2,4-diiodophenol are shown to undergo palladium catalyz
ed carbonylation and alkyne coupling reactions in excellent to moderat
e yield and high regioselectivity. The scope of these reactions is exp
lored. Palladium catalyzed reactions are employed as the key steps in
the synthesis of three phenolic natural products: Plicatin B, Drupanin
and Eutypine.