Efficient and Convenient Method for Synthesis of Benzofuran-3-acetic Acids and Naphthafuran-acetic Acids

AbstractHerein, we report an efficient and convenient method for synthesis of benzofuran-3-acetic acids and naphthafuran-acetic acids 5a–p by the reaction of substituted-4-bromomethylcoumarins with aqueous sodium hydroxide at refluxing temperature. The obtained products are characterized by infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectral data. Structures 5a and 5e are confirmed by their single x-ray diffraction studies. The advantages of this method are good yields, easy workup, and no chromatographic purifications.