Base-Mediated One-pot Synthesis of Oxygen-Based Heterocycles from 2-Hydroxyphenyl-Substituted para-Quinone Methides.

One-pot synthesis of oxygen-containing heterocycles has been achieved through alkylation/acylation of 2-hydroxyphenyl-substituted para-quinone methides followed by an intramolecular 1,6-conjugate addition/cyclization and oxidation sequence. This protocol provides access to a wide range of oxygen-based heterocycles, such as 2,3-disubstituted benzo[b]furans, 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans and diaryl-substituted coumarin derivatives in moderate to good yields.