Efficient and Connective Assembly of Highly Functionalized Benzofurans Using o-Hydroxyphenones and Dichloroethylene

The preparation of highly functionalized benzofurans by a unique and connective transformation is reported. Base-catalyzed condensation of o-hydroxyphenones with 1,1-dichloroethylene generates the corresponding chloromethylene furans. These labile intermediates undergo a facile rearrangement into benzofuran carbaldehydes under mild acidic conditions.