A rhodium(I)-catalyzed demethylation-cyclization of o-anisole-substituted ynamides in the synthesis of chiral 2-amido benzofurans.

A Rh(I)-catalyzed demethylation−cyclization sequence for a direct transformation of o-anisole-substituted ynamides to benzofurans is described here. The Ag salt functions synergistically with Rh(I) for the key demethylation step.