Catalyst-Free Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans via a Formal [4+1] Annulation of Propargylamines with Sulfur Ylides

A simple, general route to the 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans substituted at C3 by an aryethynyl or aryl group, starting from propargylamine and its derivatives with benzoyl sulfonium salts, has been developed. This reaction involved an in situ generated o-quinone methide (o-QM) intermediate followed by [4+1] annulation with sulfur ylides. Notably, this protocol's features include moderate to excellent yields and remarkable diastereoselectivity (>20:1 dr in general), easy performance, as well as applicability to versatile 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans with aryethynyl or an aryl group via C-C and C-O bond formation in one pot without any catalyst in an aqueous mixed solvent.