A new and efficient synthesis of 4-functionalized benzo[b]furans from 2,3-dihalophenols.

Tandem Sonogashira coupling/5-endo-dig cyclization reactions on 2,3-dihalophenols suppose a straightforward entry to 4-halobenzo[b]furans, which can be easily transformed into 4-functionalized benzo[b]furans, that are difficult to synthesize by other procedures. On the other hand, the starting 2,3-dihalophenols are efficiently prepared from commercially available 3-halophenols, via their N,N-diethyl carbamates by selective lithiation at the 2-positions by treatment with s-BuLi/TMEDA or LDA at low temperature and reaction with halogen electrophilic reagents.