Novel One-Pot Synthesis of 3-Phenylnaphtho[2,3-b]furan and 3-Phenylbenzofurans Under Microwave Irradiation and Solvent-Free Conditions

A one-pot synthesis of functionalized benzofurans has been developed via O-alkylation, carbon-carbon coupling/cyclization, and dehydration/olefination tandem reactions from phenacyl bromide and phenols under microwave irradiation and solvent-free conditions in the presence of mineral-supported reagent and inorganic base. The best selectivity for forming benzofuran product has been achieved with Na2CO3 as a base. The order of activity of inorganic base is as follows: K2CO3NaHCO3Na2CO3KHCO3Na2SO3KOHK3PO4NaOHKH2PO4KOAc. This novel synthesis features three new bonds and one ring system assembled in a single step.