Rh(III)-catalyzed dual directing group assisted sterically hindered C-H bond activation: a unique route to meta and ortho substituted benzofurans.

A new strategy for the synthesis of highly substituted benzofurans from meta-substituted hydroxybenzenes and alkynes via a rhodium(III)-catalyzed activation of a sterically hindered C-H bond is demonstrated. A possible mechanism involving dual directing group assisted ortho C-H bond activation is proposed.