Nickel-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzofuran Derivatives
Nickel-Catalyzed Intramolecular Nucleophilic Addition of Aryl Halides to Aryl Ketones for the Synthesis of Benzofuran Derivatives: X.-R. Zhu, C.-L. Deng
Synthesis 2021, 53, DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1706662
Benzofurans feature a rich and multifaceted chemistry, moreover the benzofuran ring is frequently encountered in natural and bioactive compounds; therefore, the title compounds have traditionally been important targets for organic chemists. The synthesis of diversely functionalized benzofurans using affordable and environmentally compatible metal catalysts, as well as readily accessible starting materials, is a particularly attractive goal. In this context, the group of Dr. Chen-Liang Deng from Wenzhou University (P. R. of China) reported a new versatile and effective approach to differently substituted 3-aryl benzofurans.
Dr. Deng said: “We have developed a nickel-catalyzed intramolecular nucleophilic addition reaction for the formation of benzofuran derivatives. A number of substrates bearing electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups could be used under the standard reaction conditions, giving the corresponding products in moderate to good yields.”