Sequential One-Pot Synthesis of 3-Arylbenzofurans from N-Tosylhydrazones and Bromophenol Derivatives.

A divergent and efficient one-pot sequence allowing direct access to 3-arylbenzofuran derivatives has been developed. The process, involving N-tosylhydrazones and bromophenols, proceeds via a palladium-catalyzed Barluenga-Valdés cross-coupling, followed by an aerobic, copper-catalyzed, radical cyclization to form Csp2-Csp2 and O-Csp2 bonds. 3-Arylated benzofurans bearing various substituents were obtained with good to excellent yields (up to 90%). Mechanistic investigation strongly supports a radical process for the cyclization step.

Toward a Greener Barluenga-Valdés Cross-Coupling: Microwave-Promoted C-C Bond Formation with a Pd/PEG/H2O Recyclable Catalytic System.

A green Barluenga-Valdés cross-coupling reaction for the synthesis of 1,1-diarylethylenes using palladium catalysis has been developed. The new catalytic system based on Pd/Xphos-SO3Na or Pd/MeDavephos-CF3SO3 in PEG/H2O under microwave irradiation was found to be the best conditions for this transformation. The recyclability of the palladium catalyst system was also studied, and it was found to be active over nine runs without significant loss in its activity.