A highly efficient TBAF-promoted intramolecular cyclization of gem-dibromoolefins for the synthesis of 2-bromobenzofurans(thiophenes).

A highly efficient tetra-(n-butyl)ammonium fluoride (TBAF)-promoted intramolecular cyclization of gem-dibromoolefins has been developed for the synthesis of 2-bromobenzofused heterocycles. The reaction provides a convenient approach to 2-bromobenzofurans(thiophenes) from the corresponding readily available gem-dibromovinyl substrates without a metal. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011