An unexpected C–C cleavage reaction: new and mild access to o-OH and o-NH-Tos benzoic acids or benzoamides

Catalyzed by DBU or DBN, 2-acetoxy benzofuranones and 2-acetoxy-N-Tos indolin-3-ones, were readily prepared from o-acyl phenols and o-acyl anilines, respectively, reacted with H2O or a range of amines to afford o-OH and o-NH-Tos benzoic acids or benzoamides in moderate to excellent yields.