Synthesis 2009(1): 85-90  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1083261
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Synthesis of Benzo[b]furans by Palladium-NHC Catalyzed Ring Closure of o-Bromobenzyl Ketones

János Faragó, András Kotschy*
Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
Fax: +36(1)8812011; e-Mail: andras.kotschy@hu.netgrs.com;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 20 October 2008
Publication Date:
12 December 2008 (online)

Abstract

The palladium-catalyzed ring closure of aryl o-bromo­benzyl ketones, easily accessible from aromatic aldehydes and 2-bromobenzyl bromide, provides a straightforward route to 2-arylbenzofurans. A study of the ring closure revealed that a heterocyclic carbene based catalyst provides the best results.

1

New address: J. Faragó, Gedeon Richter Chemical Works, Gyömröi út 19-21, Budapest, Hungary.

2

New address: A. Kotschy, Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7, 1031 Budapest, Hungary.