We have developed an efficient, simple, mild, and rapid method for the construction of dihydrobenzofuran derivatives by the [3+2] coupling of masked o-benzoquinones with styrene derivatives triggered by boron trifluoride diethyl etherate. This new [3+2] coupling protocol proceeds smoothly to afford dihydrobenzofuran derivatives in good to high yields within one minute. The method was extended to cycloaddition of p-benzoquinone monoketal with styrenes.
Key words
hypervalent iodine reagents - oxidation - dearomatization - benzoquinone monoketals - cycloaddition - benzofurans