Quinoline Ligands Improve the Classic Direct C-H Functionalisation/Intramolecular Cyclisation of Diaryl Ethers to Dibenzofurans

The C-H functionalisation approach to the synthesis of dibenzofurans is hampered by a number of problems. Herein we describe the evolution of a cheap, bench stable quinoline ligand, which obviates most of the current limitations and allows for a high yielding synthesis of a range of valuable dibenzofurans. Dibenzofurans are important motifs in natural products and compounds with wide biological activity.

Automated summary

Utilizing a cheap and bench-stable quinoline ligand can overcome the challenges in synthesizing dibenzofurans via C-H functionalization, enabling high-yield synthesis. Dibenzofurans are important motifs in natural products and compounds with wide biological activity.