On-water chemistry: copper-catalyzed straightforward synthesis of benzo[b]furan derivatives in neat water.
[reaction: see text] A more sustainable protocol leading to 2-alkyl- or 2-aryl-substituted benzo[b]furans is reported, involving a copper-TMEDA complex which catalyzes the transformation of readily available ketone derivatives into the corresponding benzofurans in good to excellent yields. The reaction is accomplished using water as the solvent without organic cosolvents, and one example of catalyst reutilization is also presented.
Kimika Organikoa II Saila, Zientzia eta Teknologia Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, P.O. Box 644, 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
Mónica
M
Carril
Raul
R
SanMartin
Imanol
I
Tellitu
Esther
E
Domínguez