One-Step Synthesis of Substituted Benzofurans from ortho- Alkenylphenols via Palladium-Catalyzed CH Functionalization

A dehydrogenative oxygenation of C(sp2)H bonds with intramolecular phenolic hydroxy groups has been developed, which provides a straightforward and concise access to structurally diversely benzofurans from ortho-alkenylphenols. The reaction is catalyzed by palladium on carbon (Pd/C) without any oxidants and sacrificing hydrogen acceptors.