Synthesis of functionalized benzofurans by iodocyclization reaction of alkynylanisoles

Benzofurans are important synthetic building blocks present in a high number of biologically active natural products, pursuing several medicinal properties. In this context, there is an increasing interest in developing efficient syntheses for this class of compounds. Accordingly, we present in this work our preliminary results involving the iodocyclization reaction of 2-iodo-6-alkynylanisoles, employing molecular iodine under mild conditions, leading to the formation of highly functionalized benzofurans, potential precursors of pharmaceuticals and functional materials.