Synthesis of benzo[b]furans from alkynyl sulfoxides and phenols by the interrupted Pummerer reaction

The interrupted Pummerer reaction of alkynyl sulfoxides with phenols is disclosed. A wide range of benzo[b]furans were efficiently synthesized through unexplored electrophilic activation of the electron-deficient alkynyl sulfinyl group. Based on the good availability of alkynyl sulfoxides, we successfully prepared various functionalized benzo[b]furans from readily available alkynes, thiosulfonates, and phenols.

Automated summary

The interrupted Pummerer reaction of alkynyl sulfoxides with phenols is reported, leading to the efficient synthesis of various benz[b]furans through the unexplored electrophilic activation of the electron-deficient alkynyl sulfinyl group. Utilizing readily available alkynes, thiosulfonates, and phenols, we successfully prepared functionalized benz[b]furans.