Synthesis of Naturally Occurring 5-Allyl-2-aryl-7-methoxybenzofuran and 2-Aryl-5-(3-hydroxypropyl)-7-methoxybenzofurans.

A convenient and general procedure is described for the synthesis of 5-allyl-2-aryl-7-methoxybenzofurans (8a–e) from 2-allyloxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (3). The compounds 8a and 8b on hydroboration followed by oxidation provide the naturally occurring benzofurans (1a and 1b).