摘要

A novel and convenient two-step synthesis of 2-arylbenzofurans is described which proceeds via a selective cross-pinacoltype coupling between a salicylaldehyde and an aromatic aldehyde, followed by an acid-promoted cyclization. One advantage of this method is that separation of the three possible pinacol products that can form during the cross-coupling is not necessary. This method is also applied to the synthesis of the 2-arylbenzofuran-containing natural product, homoegonol.