One-pot synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans from 2-chlorophenols using palladium–dihydroxyterphenylphosphine catalyst

Abstract 2,3-Disubstituted benzofurans possessing 2-hydroxyphenyl moiety at the C-3 position were synthesized from readily available 2-chlorophenols and terminal alkynes by hydroxy-directed ortho -Sonogashira coupling and subsequent oxypalladation/reductive elimination, using Pd-dihydroxyterphenylphosphine catalyst. The catalyst accelerates not only the Sonogashira coupling but also the introduction of 2-hydroxyphenyl group at the C-3 position of benzofuran.