Metal-Free One-Pot Synthesis of 3-Phosphinoylbenzofurans via Phospha-Michael Addition/Cyclization of H-Phosphine Oxides and in Situ Generated ortho-Quinone Methides

A novel metal-free one-pot protocol for the effective and efficient synthesis of 3-phosphinoylbenzofurans via a phospha-Michael addition/cyclization of H-phosphine oxides and in situ generated ortho-quinone methides is described. Based on the expeditious construction of C(sp2)–P bonds, asymmetric synthesis of optically pure 3-phosphinoylbenzofurans containing chiral P-stereogenic center has also been probed by using chiral RP-(−)-menthyl phenylphosphine oxide.