A concise route to functionalized benzofurans directly from gem-dibromoalkenes and phenols†
Abstract
A tandem strategy for the construction of benzofuran motifs has been developed directly from gem-dibromoalkenes and phenols under palladium-catalyzed conditions. This flexible and novel methodology provides direct access to 2-aryl and 2-styryl benzofurans in good to high yields. This strategy is also valuable in the synthesis of benzodifurans.