Straightforward synthesis of enantiopure 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans by a sequential stereoselective biotransformation and chemical intramolecular cyclization.

A new family of optically active 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans has been prepared by a simple chemoenzymatic asymmetric strategy. This synthetic approach is based on the combination of a lipase-mediated kinetic resolution of 1-aryl-2-propanols or bioreduction of the corresponding ketones followed by an intramolecular cyclization reaction. These novel compounds have been prepared in enantiopure form and in good overall yield through a straightforward route.