Synthesis of Benzofurans from Sulfur Ylides and ortho‐Hydroxy‐Functionalized Alkynes

Abstract The synthesis of benzofurans from readily accessible sulfur ylides and ortho ‐hydroxy aryl alkynes is reported. The transformation proceeds through an isomerization/nucleophilic addition/cyclization/aromatization cascade. The substrate scope is very general with respect to both reactants and the products are afforded in 43–94% yield under conditions which are catalyst‐free and additive‐free. magnified image