The Synthesis of 2-substituted Benzo[b]furans Catalyzed by Ni/5-Bromo- 2,2’-bipyridine

A tandem system that enabled the synthesis of 2-substituted benzo[b]furans from 2- halophenols and aryl acetylenes catalyzed by Ni/5-bromo-2,2’-dipyridine was explored. The protocol was found effective for one-pot cascade coupling cyclization reaction producing benzo[b]furan compounds, and heteroaryl substrates were observed to be compatible for this system as well, giving corresponding products in 20-70% yields.