Direct Lactonization of 2-Arylacetic Acids through Pd(II)-Catalyzed C-H Activation/C-O Formation

Palladium-catalyzed direct lactonization of 2-arylacetic acids through a reaction sequence that includes C-H activation/C-O formation is reported. This method provides a concise and efficient pathway to synthesize fully functionalized benzofuranone derivatives, which are highly relevant to bioactive natural and synthetic products.