General synthesis of 2,1-benzisoxazoles (anthranils) from nitroarenes and benzylic C–H acids in aprotic media promoted by combination of strong bases and silylating agents

Carbanions of phenylacetonitriles, benzyl sulfones, and dialkyl benzylphosphonates add nitroarenes at the ortho-position to the nitro group to form \(\sigma ^\mathrm{H}\)-adducts that, upon treatment with trialkylchlorosilane and additional base (t-BuOK or DBU), transform into 3-aryl-2,1-benzisoxazoles in moderate-to-good yields.