Gold-catalyzed alkyne hydroxylation:: Synthesis of 2-substituted benzo[b]furan compounds

A strategy concerning the synthesis of 2-substituted benzo[b]furan compounds from o-alkynyl phenols via a gold-catalyzed alkyne hydroxylation is described, which allows the rapid synthesis of various 2-substituted benzo[b]furan derivatives in excellent yields under mild conditions. The o-alkynyl phenol precursors were readily prepared with a Sonogashira coupling reaction.