A Sequential Cycloisomerization/Oxidative Aromatization of 2-Propargyl-cyclohexenones for Direct Access to Substituted Benzofurans.

A new approach for the synthesis of benzofurans starting from non-aromatic precursors is reported. The reaction involves sequential DBU-mediated cycloisomerization for furanylation followed by benzene ring construction via oxidative aromatization in the presence of Oxone®. Atom- and pot-economy, simple reaction conditions, the straightforward preparation of starting materials and access to diverse substituted benzofurans are the major advantages of this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]