Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of 2-Arylbenzo[b]furans from 2-Styrylphenols Using CuBr2

A new route to the synthesis of 2-arylbenzo[b]furans has been developed. It involves homo/cross-McMurry coupling of salicylaldehyde/substituted salicylaldehydes/aromatic aldehydes to 2-styrylphenols, which undergo intramolecular cyclization with CuBr2 in tetrahydrofuran at ambient temperature to afford 2-arylbenzo[b]furans in good yields.