A facile electrochemical method for synthesis of new benzofuran derivatives

Electrooxidation of 3-substituted catechols has been studied in the presence of dimedone in aqueous solution, using cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential coulometry. The results indicate that the quinones derived from catechols participate in Michael addition reactions with dimedone to form the corresponding benzofuran derivatives (6a-c). We propose a mechanism for the electrode process. The efficient electrochemical synthesis of 6a-c has been performed at carbon rod electrodes in an undivided cell using a constant current.