CuI-catalyzed domino process to 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans from 1-bromo-2-iodobenzenes and β-keto esters

CuI-catalyzed coupling of 1-bromo-2-iodobenzenes with beta-keto esters in THF at 100 degrees C leads to 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans. This domino transformation involves an intermolecular C-C bond formation and a subsequent intramolecular C-O bond formation process. Benzofurans with different substituents at the 5- and 6-position are accessible by employing the corresponding 1-bromo-2-iodobenzenes.