Three-component coupling reactions of arynes for the synthesis of benzofurans and coumarins

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules19010863

The domino three-component coupling reaction of arynes with DMF and active methylenes or methines was studied as a highly efficient method for preparing heterocycles. Coumarin derivative 5 was formed when diethyl malonate (2) or a-bromomalonate (3) were used as a C2-unit. In contrast, dihydrobenzofurans 7a and 7b were obtained by using a-chloroenolates generated from a-chloromalonates 4a and 4b and Et2Zn. The benzofuran 15a could be obtained by using ethyl iodoacetate (14) as a C1-unit. The one-pot conversion of dihydrobenzofurans 7a, 7b and 8a into benzofurans 15a and 15b was also studied. The direct synthesis of benzofuran 15b was achieved by using the active methine 18 having ketone and ester groups.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules19010863

Molecules 2014, 19, 863-880; doi:10.3390/molecules19010863
OPEN ACCESS
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Article
Three-Component Coupling Reactions of Arynes for the
Synthesis of Benzofurans and Coumarins
Eito Yoshioka, Shigeru Kohtani and Hideto Miyabe *
School of Pharmacy, Hyogo University of Health Sciences, 1-3-6, Minatojima, Chuo-ku,
Kobe 650-8530, Japan
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: miyabe@huhs.ac.jp;
Tel.: +81-78-304-3094; Fax: +81-78-304-2794.
Received: 16 December 2013; in revised form: 7 January 2014 / Accepted: 8 January 2014 /
Published: 13 January 2014
Abstract: The domino three-component coupling reaction of arynes with DMF and
active methylenes or methines was studied as a highly efficient method for preparing
heterocycles. Coumarin derivative 5 was formed when diethyl malonate (2) or
α-bromomalonate (3) were used as a C2-unit. In contrast, dihydrobenzofurans 7a and 7b
were obtained by using α-chloroenolates generated from α-chloromalonates 4a and 4b and
Et2Zn. The benzofuran 15a could be obtained by using ethyl iodoacetate (14) as a C1-unit.
The one-pot conversion of dihydrobenzofurans 7a, 7b and 8a into benzofurans 15a and
15b was also studied. The direct synthesis of benzofuran 15b was achieved by using the
active methine 18 having ketone and ester groups.
Keywords: arynes; multi-component reaction; domino reaction; heterocycles; synthesis
1. Introduction
Synthetic strategies involving domino or cascade process offer the advantage of multiple carbon-
carbon and/or carbon-heteroatom bond formations in a single operation [1]. In recent years, the
domino reactions using arynes continue to attract much interest [2–21], since arynes are highly reactive
species for constructing the multi-substituted arenes with structural diversity and complexity [22,23].
The recent aryne-based chemistry has achieved some remarkable success in the transition
metal-catalyzed reactions [2–10], the transition metal-free reactions and other transformations [11–21].
These advances have shown that the insertion of arynes into various element-element σ-bonds can be

Molecules 2014, 19
864
achieved even under the transition metal-free conditions. We have been interested in developing the
corresponding π-bond insertion [24–31]. Recently, we reported the efficient insertion into the C=O
bond of formamides [32,33], which was successfully applied into the domino process trapping the
transient intermediates with nucleophiles [34–36]. In this paper, we describe in detail our approach to
prepare coumarin, dihydrobenzofuran and benzofuran derivatives via the three-component coupling
process starting from arynes generated from ortho-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates.
2. Results and Discussion
2.1. New Approach for the Domino Three-Component Coupling Process
The goal of our study on aryne chemistry is to develop the highly efficient domino reactions for
preparing heterocycles. Therefore, we have designed a new approach involving two steps which are
induced by the high reactivity related to the strain energy of aryne A and the four-membered
intermeditate B (Scheme 1) [37].
The insertion of a highly strained aryne A, generated in situ from ortho-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflate 1
and the fluoride ion [38], into the C=O of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) gives the moderately
strained [2+2] adduct benzoxetene B, which would undergo isomerized into ortho-quinone methide C
(Step 1). The sequential transformation can be achieved by the initial addition of nucleophiles to the
transient intermediate C and the subsequent trapping process with electrophiles (Step 2). When
nucleophile and electrophile belong to the same molecule as shown in Scheme 1, the use of C2-units
(X–Y) leads to the products D and the use of C1-units (X) leads to the products E.
Scheme 1. Three-component coupling reaction.
Step 1: Insertion of aryne A into -bond of DMF
OMe
OMe
F
TMS
OTf
NMe2
O
DMF
1
A
-bond insertion
OMe
OMe NMe2
NMe2
O
O
[2+2]-adduct B
C
Step 2: Trapping reaction of intermediate C
OMe NMe2
OMe NMe2
Nucleophilic
X
Y
X
Y
O
O
Electrophilic
Nucleophilic
C2-units
C
products D
OMe
OMe NMe2
NMe2
X
X
O
O
Electrophilic
C1-units
C
products E

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For the synthesis of products D such as coumarin derivatives, we used enol F and enolate G having
both nucleophilic and electrophilic sites, which were derived from malonate 2 and α-bromomalonate 3,
respectively (Scheme 2). For the synthesis of products E such as dihydrobenzofurans and benzofurans,
α-chloroenolate H having a nucleophilic and electrophilic carbon atom, derived from α-chloromalonate 4,
was employed for trapping the unstable intermediate C.
Scheme 2. Substrates for trapping the intermediate C.
2.2. The Synthesis of Coumarin Derivative
In organic synthesis, DMF can react as either an electrophilic or nucleophilic agent [39,40]. At first,
we examined the reaction of 3-methoxy-2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl triflate (1) as an aryne precursor with
DMF and diethyl malonate (2) as a C2-unit (Table 1). It is well known that the active methylenes such
as diethyl malonate (2) have an excellent reactivity toward arynes giving the σ-bond insertion
products [41–45]. To suppress the competitive insertion of aryne into the C–C σ-bond of 2, DMF was
employed as a solvent. We were gratified to observe the sufficient reactivity of active methylene 2
toward intermediate B in the absence of base. The effect of fluoride ion sources was studied. In the
presence of CsF, treatment of triflate 1 with 2 in DMF at room temperature predominantly gave the
desired coumarin 5 in 65% yield, accompanied by a trace amount of salicylaldehyde derivative 6
(entry 1). The replacement of CsF with anhydrous TBAF led to an increase in the chemical yield to
give 5 in 86% yield (entry 2). In contrast, no reaction was observed when KF was employed (entry 3).

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Table 1. Reaction of aryne precursor 1 with DMF and 2 a.
Entry
Reagent (3.0 equiv)
Product (% yield) b
5 (65), 6 (trace)
5 (86)
1
2
3
CsF
TBAF
KF
NR c
a Reactions were carried out with 1 (1.0 equiv), 2 (1.5 equiv), and reagent (3.0 equiv) in DMF (0.1 M solution
of 1). b Isolated yield. c No reaction; Triflate 1 was recovered in 93% yield.
This domino transformation involves the trapping reaction of the unstable intermediate C with enol
F giving the intermediate I (Scheme 3). The coumarin 5 was formed via the elimination of a
dimethylamino group from the intermediate I.
Scheme 3. Reaction pathway.
Further investigations using α-bromomalonate 3 and organometallic reagents such as Et2Zn or
Me3Al were performed (Table 2). In the presence of Et2Zn, we initially allowed triflate 1 to react with
3 in DMF at room temperature for 12 h (entry 1). The desired coumarin 5 was obtained in 11% yield,
accompanied by the recovered triflate 1 in 64%. Although the replacement of CsF with anhydrous
TBAF led to an increase in the chemical yield, the new formation of dihydrobenzofuran 7a was
observed (entry 2). The reaction did not take place when KF was employed (entry 3). Therefore,
Me3Al was next employed (entries 4 and 5). In the presence of CsF, treatment of 1 with 3 in DMF
predominantly gave the desired product 5 in 34% yield (entry 4). Improvement in the chemical yield of
5 was observed when anhydrous TBAF was used (entry 5). The chemical yield increased into 85%. In

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867
this transformation, a suitable combination of α-bromomalonate 3 and Me3Al led to the efficient
generation of the debrominated metal enolate G, which reacted with intermediate C to give coumarin 5.
Table 2. Reaction of aryne precursor 1 with DMF and 3 a.
Reagent
(5.0 equiv)
CsF
Additive
(2.0 equiv)
Et2Zn
Entry
Product (% yield) b
1
2
3
4
5
5 (11) c
5 (41), 7a (23)
NR d
TBAF
KF
Et2Zn
Et2Zn
CsF
Me3Al
5 (34) e
TBAF
Me3Al
5 (85)
a Reactions were carried out with 1 (1.0 equiv), 3 (1.5 equiv), reagent (5.0 equiv), and additive (2.0 equiv) in
DMF (0.1 M solution of 1). b Isolated yield. c Triflate 1 was recovered in 64% yield. d No reaction; Triflate 1
was recovered in 98% yield. e Triflate 1 was recovered in 12% yield.
2.3. The Synthesis of Dihydrobenzofurans
We next investigated the domino reaction for the synthesis of dihydrobenzofurans (Table 3). The
key issue of this transformation is the efficient generation of α-halogenated enolate as a C1-unit.
However, as mentioned above, the debromination took place when α-bromomalonate 3 and
organometallic reagents were employed. In remarked contrast to α-bromomalonate 3, we found that
the use of α-chloromalonates 4a,b and Et2Zn led to the generation of desired α-halogenated enolates H
(Scheme 4). Thus, a combination of α-chloromalonates 4a,b and Et2Zn was checked under the
different reaction conditions for the synthesis of dihydrobenzofurans.

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868
Table 3. Reaction of aryne precursor 1 with DMF and 4a,b.
Entry
1 b
Methine
Reagent
TBAF
TBAF
CsF
T
Product (% yield) a
7a (21), 8a (64)
7a (66), 8a (24)
7a (63)
4a
4a
4a
4a
4a
4b
4b
rt
2 b
−40 °C to rt
−40 °C to rt
−40 °C to rt
rt
3 b
4 c
CsF
7a (86)
NR d
5 b
KF
6 b
CsF
−40 °C to rt
−40 °C to rt
7b (70)
7 c
CsF
7b (89)
a
b
Isolated yield. Reactions were carried out with 1 (1.0 equiv), 4a,b (2.0 equiv), reagent (5.0 equiv), and
Et2Zn (2.0 equiv) in DMF (0.1 M solution of 1). c Reactions were carried out with 1 (1.2 equiv), 4a,b (1.0 equiv),
CsF (6.0 equiv), and Et2Zn (1.0 equiv) in DMF (0.1 M solution of 1). d No reaction; Triflate 1 was recovered
in 95% yield.
Scheme 4. Generation of enolates and reaction pathway.
Et2Zn
4a,b
OMe NMe2
OMe NMe2
RO
CO2R
CO2R
O
O
Cl
ZnEt
7a,b
Cl
O
O
RO
H
C
J
In the presence of anhydrous TBAF, treatment of triflate 1 with 4a in DMF at room temperature
gave the desired product 7a in 21% yield, accompanied by 64% yield of undesired dihydrobenzofuran
8a (entry 1). The undesired dihydrobenzofuran 8a having a hydroxy group would be formed as a result
of hydrolysis of intermediates B or C with contamining water. The isolated yield of 7a increased to
66% yield by changing the reaction temperature (entry 2). The formation of undesired product 8a was
not observed when CsF was employed (entries 3 and 4). In particular, improvement in the chemical
yield of 7a was observed, when 1.2 equivalents of triflate 1 was reacted with 1.0 equivalent of 4a in
DMF (entry 4). Similar trend was observed in the reaction using α-chloromalonate 4b (entries 6 and 7).
In the presence of CsF and Et2Zn, treatment of triflate 1 (1.2 equiv) with 4b (1.0 equiv) in DMF at −40 °C
to room temperature for 12 h gave the desired dihydrobenzofuran 7b in 89% yield (entry 7).
In this transformation, α-chloroenolates H are effectively generated from α-chloromalonates 4a,b
and Et2Zn (Scheme 4). These α-halogenated enolates H work as not only a nucleophile to attack to the

Molecules 2014, 19
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intermediate C but also an electrophile to trap intramolecularly the intermediate anion J to give the
desired dihydrobenzofurans 7a,b.
The reactivity of α-chloromalonate 4a toward arynes was also investigated (Scheme 5). In the
presence of CsF, the direct reaction of triflate 1 with 4a was carried out in CH3CN without DMF. As
expected, the σ-bond insertion product 9 was obtained in 52% yield.
Scheme 5. Reaction of 1 with 4a.
As mentioned above, the competitive insertion of aryne into the C–C σ-bond of 4a was not
observed in the domino three-component coupling reaction of bulky triflate 1. Decreasing the steric
hindrance around the triple bond of aryne induced the direct insertion of aryne into α-chloromalonate
4a. When sterically less hindered triflate 10 was employ as an aryne precursor, the σ-bond insertion
product 12 was obtained in 51% yield (Scheme 6). To suppress the competitive insertion of aryne into
4a, the concentration was evaluted. Under the high diluted concentration (0.02 M solution of 10 in
DMF), the σ-bond insertion was mostly suppressed to afford the desired dihydrobenzofuran 11 in 65%
yield, accompanied by 14% yield of dihydrobenzofuran 13 having a hydroxy group.
Scheme 6. Reaction of 10 with DMF and 4a.
2.4. The Synthesis of Benzofurans
With these results in mind, the synthesis of benzofurans was next studied (Table 4). At first, ethyl
iodoacetate 14 was employed as a C1-unit. The reaction of triflate 1 with 14 was run in DMF in the
presence of 3.0 equivalents of TBAF (entry 1). However, the simple O-alkylated product 16 was
formed in 28% yield, accompanied by salicylaldehyde derivative 6 in 45% yield. The similar trend was

Molecules 2014, 19
870
observed when CsF was used (entry 2). The reaction temperature had an impact on the chemical
transformation (entry 3). The desired benzofuran 15a was obtained in 40% yield, when reaction was
run at 100 °C. The use of Et2Zn or Me3Al as additive was not effective for this reaction (entries 4 and 5).
Table 4. Reaction of aryne precursor 1 with DMF and 14 a.
OMe
O
H
NMe2
Reagent
TMS
I
+
+
OEt
O
14
OTf
1 (1.0 equiv)
OMe
OMe
CHO
O
CO2Et +
+
6
O
CO2Et
15a
16
Reagent
(equiv)
Ethyl
T
(°C)
rt
Time
(h)
12
Entry
Product (% yield) b
iodoacetate
1.5 equiv
1.5 equiv
2.0 equiv
2.0 equiv
2.0 equiv
1
2
TBAF (3.0)
CsF (3.0)
CsF (5.0)
CsF (5.0)
CsF (5.0)
16 (28), 6 (45)
16 (44), 6 (34)
rt
12
3
100
rt
3
15a (40), 16 (trace), 6 (11)
Complex mixture d
NR f
4 c
5 e
24
rt
24
a Reactions were carried out with 1 (1.0 equiv), 14 (1.5 or 2.0 equiv), and reagent (3.0 or 5.0 equiv) in DMF
b
c
(0.1 M solution of 1). Isolated yield. Reaction was carried out in the presence of Et2Zn (2.0 equiv).
d
e
Triflate 1 was recovered in 36% yield. Reaction was carried out in the presence of Me3Al (2.0 equiv).
f No reaction; Triflate 1 was recovered in 79% yield.
To understand the reaction pathway, the formation of benzofuran 15a from the simple O-alkylated
product 16 was studied (Scheme 7). As expected, benzofuran 15a was obtained in 32% yield, after
being stirred at room temperature for 12 h followed by heated at 100 °C for 12 h. Thus, benzofuran
15a could be obtained from O-alkylated product 16.
Scheme 7. Conversion of 16 into 15a.
For the formation of benzofuran 15a, two possible reaction pathways are shown in Scheme 8. As a
direct pathway, benzofuran 15a is assumed to be obtained from ortho-quinone methide C and 14 via
intermediate K (path a). Another pathway is the formation of benzofuran 15a from the simple
O-alkylated product 16 via intermediates L and M (path b).

Molecules 2014, 19
871
Scheme 8. Two reaction pathways.
As an alternative approach for synthesis of benzofurans, we tried to establish the conversion of
dihydrobenzofurans 7a and 7b into benzofurans 15a and 15b (Scheme 9). When dihydrobenzofuran 7a
was treated with 2.5 equivalents of EtMgBr followed by SiO2, the disered benzofuran 15a was
obtained in 77% yield without the isolation of adduct 17a. Similarly, benzofuran 15b was formed form
dihydrobenzofuran 7b. These transformations would proceed via the retro-aldol type reaction of
adducts 17a and 17b followed by the elimination of a dimethylamino group.
Scheme 9. Conversion of 7a,b into 15a,b.
OMe
OMe
NMe2
CO2R
CO2R
NMe2
CO2R
EtMgBr (2.5 equiv)
Et
Et
THF
40 °C to rt, 3 h
O
O
HO
7a: R = Et
17a: R = Et
17b: R = Me
7b: R = Me
OMe
SiO2
CO2R
O
15a: R = Et (77% from 7a)
15b: R = Me (64% from 7b)
AcOEt
rt, 12 h
OMe
NMe2
retro-aldol
O H elimination
17a,b
15a,b
Et
Et
O
OR
O
N
Next, we directed our attention into the direct one-pot synthesis of benzofuran 15b (Scheme 10).
For this purpose, the active methine 18 having ketone and ester groups was used, since ketone moiety
would selectively react with Et2Zn, leading to the retro-aldol type process. In the presence of CsF,
triflate 1 and methine 18 in DMF were treated with Et2Zn (1.0 equiv + 0.5 equiv) at −60 °C to room
temperature for 12 h. As expected, the desired benzofuran 15b having an ester group was directly
generated via the addition of an ethyl anion to a ketone group of dihydrobenzofuran O, the retro-aldol
type reaction of intermediate P and the elimination of a dimethylamino group of anion Q.

Molecules 2014, 19
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Scheme 10. Direct one-pot synthesis of benzofuran 15b.
Finally, we investigated the transformation of dihydrobenzofuran 8a having a hydroxy group into
benzofuran 15a (Scheme 11) [46]. As a starting substrate, the preparation of dihydrobenzofuran 8a
was initially studied. When the domino reaction of triflate 1 with α-bromomalonate 3 and DMF was
carried out in the presence of water (1.0 equiv), the desired dihydrobenzofuran 8a was obtained in 77%
yield instead of dihydrobenzofuran 7a having a dimethylamino group. For the synthesis of benzofuran
15a, we next allowed dihydrobenzofuran 8a to react with several bases (Table 5). Treatment of
dihydrobenzofuran 8a with 1.0 equivalent of NaH in DMF at room temperature gave the desired
benzofuran 15a in 83% yield (entry 1). Probably, this transformation proceeds via the decarboxylation
of cyclic intermediate R. In contrast, benzofuran 15a was not obtained when LiHMDS was employed
in THF at −40 °C (entry 2). Interestingly, the replacement of LiHMDS with NaHMDS led to the
formation of 15a (entry 3). The isolated yield of 15a dramatically increased to 96% yield by replacing
NaHMDS with KHMDS (entry 4).
Scheme 11. Preparation of 8a and transformation of 8a into 15a.

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Table 5. Synthesis of benzofuran 15a a.
Base
(1.0 equiv)
NaH
T
Time
Entry
Solvent
Yield (%) b
(°C)
rt
(h)
16
88
88
16
1
2
3
4
DMF
THF
THF
THF
83
NR c
11
LiHMDS
NaHMDS
KHMDS
−40
−40
−40
96
a Reactions were carried out with 8a (1.0 equiv) and base (1.0 equiv). b Isolated yield. c No reaction; Starting
substrate 8a was recovered in 84% yield.
3. Experimental
3.1. General
Melting points were taken on a Yanaco MP-J3 and are uncorrected. Infrared spectra were measured
1
on a JASCO FT/IR-4100. H-NMR spectra were measured on a JEOL ECX-400 PSK (400 MHz) or
Varian NMRS 600 (600 MHz). 13C-NMR spectra were measured on a JEOL ECX-400 PSK (101 MHz)
or Varian NMRS 600 (151 MHz) with CDCl3 as an internal standard (77.0 ppm). High resolution mass
spectra were obtained by use of a Hitachi M-4100 GC/MS spectrometer or Thermo Fisher Scientific
Exactive LC/MS spectrometer. For silica gel column chromatography, SiliCycle Inc. SiliaFlash F60
was used. The anhydrous TBAF was prepared from TBAF·3H2O by heating the hydrate at 40 °C for 6 h,
at 60 °C for 12 h, at 80 °C for 6 h, and then at 120 °C for 12 h under reduced pressure [47]. The
prepared anhydrous TBAF was used as a solution by addition of appropriate solvent such as DMF.
3.2. Procedure for the Synthesis of Coumarin Derivative 5 using Malonate 2
To a solution of 3-methoxy-2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl triflate (1, 105 µL, 0.40 mmol) and diethyl
malonate (2, 91 µL, 0.60 mmol) in DMF (3.4 mL) was added a solution of anhydrous TBAF (314 mg,
1.2 mmol) in DMF (0.6 mL) under argon atmosphere at room temperature. After being stirred at room
temperature for 3 h, silica gel (1.0 g) was added to the reaction mixture, and then it was concentrated
under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash silica gel column chromatography
(AcOEt/hexane = 1:8–1:0 with 2% CH2Cl2) afforded coumarin derivative 5 (85 mg, 86%).
5-Methoxy-2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylic acid, Ethyl ester (5). Pale yellow crystals. mp
132.5–133.5 °C (CH2Cl2-iso-Pr2O). IR (KBr) 2981, 1764, 1704, 1609, 1478 cm−1. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ
8.90 (1H, s), 7.55 (1H, t, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.93 (1H, br d, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.73 (1H, dd, J = 8.0, 0.5 Hz), 4.41
13
(2H, q, J = 7.0 Hz), 3.97 (3H, s), 1.41 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 163.3, 157.4, 156.9,
156.2, 144.1, 135.2, 116.0, 109.0, 108.9, 105.2, 61.8, 56.2, 14.3. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C13H13O3
(M+H+): 249.0763. Found: 249.0754. Elemental analysis (%) calcd for C13H12O5: C, 62.90; H, 4.87.
Found: C, 62.69; H, 5.01.

Molecules 2014, 19
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3.3. Procedure for the Synthesis of Coumarin Derivative 5 using α-Bromomalonate 3
To a solution of diethyl α-bromomalonate (3, 68 µL, 0.40 mmol) in DMF (1.5 mL) was added
Me3Al (1.08 M in hexane, 370 µL, 0.40 mmol) under argon atmosphere at room temperature. After
being stirred at the same temperature for 5 min, 3-methoxy-2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl triflate (1, 53 µL,
0.20 mmol) and TBAF (264 mg, 1.00 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) were added to the reaction mixture.
After being stirred at the same temperature for 12 h, the reaction mixture was diluted with saturated
NaHCO3 and then extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic phase was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated
at reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash silica gel column chromatography
(AcOEt/hexane = 1:20–1:1 with 2% CH2Cl2) afforded coumarin derivative 5 (42 mg, 85%).
3.4. Typical Procedure for the Synthesis of Dihydrobenzofurans
To a suspension of CsF (183 mg, 1.20 mmol) in DMF (2.0 mL) was added Et2Zn (1.0 M in toluene,
200 µL, 0.20 mmol) under argon atmosphere at −40 °C. After being stirred at the same temperature for
5 min, diethyl α-chloromalonate 4a (32 µL, 0.20 mmol) and 3-methoxy-2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl
triflate (1, 63 µL, 0.24 mmol) were added to the reaction mixture. After being stirred at −40 °C to
room temperature for 12 h, silica gel (0.5 g) was added to the reaction mixture, and then it was
concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash silica gel column
chromatography (EtOAc/hexane = 1:20–1:4) afforded dihydrobenzofuran 7a (58.0 mg, 86%). Under
similar reaction conditions, dihydrobenzofurans 7b and 11 were synthesized. Products 8a, 12 and 13
were also formed.
3-(Dimethylamino)-4-methoxy-2,2(3H)-benzofurandicarboxylic acid, 2,2-Diethyl ester (7a). Colorless
oil. IR (KBr) 2982, 1741, 1601, 1492, 1460 cm−1. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.18 (1H, t, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.61
(1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.50 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz), 5.17 (1H, s), 4.40–4.12 (4H, m), 3.83 (3H, s), 2.22 (6H,
br s), 1.30 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz), 1.25 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 167.3, 165.7, 159.4, 157.5,
130.9, 111.3, 103.8 (2C), 94.6, 69.8, 62.3, 61.7, 55.2, 43.0, 14.1, 13.9. HRMS (ESI+) calcd for
C17H24NO6 (M+H+): 338.1598, Found: 338.1593.
3-(Dimethylamino)-4-methoxy-2,2(3H-benzofurandicarboxylic acid, 2,2-Dimethyl ester (7b). Colorless
oil. IR (KBr) 2952, 2839, 1773, 1746, 1601, 1458 cm−1. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.19 (1H, t, J = 8.2 Hz),
6.61 (1H, d, J = 8.2 Hz), 6.51 (1H, d, J = 8.2 Hz), 5.17 (1H, s), 3.84 (3H, s), 3.83 (3H, s), 3.77 (3H, s),
13
2.23 (6H, br s). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 167.8, 166.1, 159.3, 157.5, 131.0, 111.1, 103.9 (2C), 94.8, 70.1,
55.2, 53.4, 52.7, 43.0 (br). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C15H19NO6Na (M+Na+): 332.1105, Found:
332.1145.
3-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-2,2(3H)-benzofurandicarboxylic acid, 2,2-Diethyl ester (8a). Colorless oil. IR
1
(KBr) 3504, 2983, 1741, 1606, 1494, 1465 cm−1. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.24 (1H, t, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.63
(1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.50 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.01 (1H, br d, J = 4.5 Hz), 4.38–4.18 (4H, m), 3.85 (3H,
s), 2.68 (1H, br s), 1.31 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz), 1.28 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 166.2, 165.1,
159.8, 157.2, 132.4, 113.2, 104.6, 103.7, 93.2, 74.5, 62.7, 62.6, 55.6, 14.0, 13.9. HRMS (EI+) calcd for
C15H18O7Na (M+Na+): 333.0945, Found: 333.0942.

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3-(Dimethylamino)-2,2(3H)-benzofurandicarboxylic acid, 2,2-Diethyl ester (11). Colorless oil. IR
(KBr) 2982, 2940, 1769, 1742, 1598, 1472, 1462 cm−1.1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.27–7.23 (2H, m), 7.00–6.95
(2H, m), 5.08 (1H, s), 4.38–4.12 (4H, m), 2.18 (6H, br s), 1.31 (3H, t, J = 7.1 Hz), 1.25 (3H, t, J = 7.1 Hz).
13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 167.2, 165.8, 157.7, 129.9, 125.8, 123.2, 121.6, 110.9, 93.2, 70.7, 62.5, 61.9, 42.4
(br), 14.1, 13.9. HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C16H22NO5 (M+H+): 308.1492, Found: 308.1586.
α-Chloro-2-(ethoxycarbonyl)benzeneacetic acid, Ethyl ester (12). Colorless oil. IR (KBr) 2983, 2935,
1
1749, 1716, 1601, 1578, 1466, 1448 cm−1. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.00 (1H, dd, J = 7.8, 1.4 Hz), 7.80
(1H, dd, J = 7.8, 1.4 Hz), 7.59 (1H, td, J = 7.6, 1.4 Hz), 7.43 (1H, td, J = 7.6, 1.4 Hz), 6.52 (1H, s),
4.38 (2H, q, J = 7.2 Hz), 4.28–4.19 (2H, m), 1.40 (3H, t, J = 7.2 Hz), 1.26 (3H, t, J = 7.3 Hz).
13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 168.6, 166.6, 137.1, 132.7, 130.7, 129.7, 128.9, 128.7, 62.4, 61.5, 55.9, 14.2, 13.9.
HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C13H1535ClO4Na (M+Na+): 293.0551, Found: 293.0548; HRMS (ESI+) calcd
for C13H1537ClO4Na (M+Na+): 295.0522, Found: 295.0517.
3-Hydroxy-2,2(3H)-benzofurandicarboxylic acid, 2,2-Diethyl ester (13). IR (KBr) 3491, 2984, 1741,
1
1601, 1477, 1468 cm−1. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.41 (1H, br d, J = 7.3 Hz), 7.31 (br td, J = 7.8, 1.4 Hz),
7.04–7.00 (2H, m), 5.91 (1H, br d, J = 4.6 Hz), 4.38–4.21 (4H, m), 2.74 (1H, br s), 1.32 (3H, t, J = 7.1 Hz),
13
1.29 (3H, t, J = 7.1 Hz). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 166.4, 165.3, 158.4, 131.2, 125.8, 125.7, 122.5, 111.0,
92.8, 76.4, 62.8, 62.7, 14.1, 13.9. HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C14H16O6Na (M+Na+): 303.0839, Found:
303.0843.
3.5. Procedure for the Insertion into α-Chloromalonate 4a
To a suspension of CsF (183 mg, 1.2 mmol) in MeCN (2.0 mL) were added diethyl
α-chloromalonate (4a, 32 µL, 0.20 mmol) and 3-methoxy-2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl triflate (1, 63 µL,
0.24 mmol) under argon atmosphere at −20 °C. After being stirred at −20 °C to room temperature for
12 h, the reaction mixture was diluted with saturated NaHCO3 and then extracted with AcOEt. The
organic phase was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated at reduced pressure. Purification of the residue
by PTLC (AcOEt/hexane =1:2) afforded the product 9 (31 mg, 52%).
α-Chloro-[2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-methoxy]benzeneacetic acid, Ethyl ester (9). IR (KBr) 2983, 1752,
1736, 1589, 1472, 1442 cm−1. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.40 (1H, t, J = 8.2 Hz), 7.25 (1H, br d, J = 8.5 Hz),
6.93 (1H, br d, J = 8.5 Hz), 5.50 (1H, s), 4.42 (2H, q, J = 7.1 Hz), 4.27–4.15 (2H, m), 3.83 (3H, s),
13
1.39 (3H, t, J = 7.1 Hz), 1.24 (3H, t, J = 7.1 Hz). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 167.8, 166.5, 156.6, 134.6,
131.2, 123.2, 120.4, 111.9, 62.6, 61.7, 56.1, 55.6, 14.1, 13.9. HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C14H1735ClO5Na
(M+Na+): 323.0657, Found: 323.0642; HRMS (ESI+)calcd for C14H1737ClO5Na (M+Na+): 325.0633,
Found: 325.0613.
3.6. Procedure for the Synthesis of Benzofuran 15a
To a suspension of CsF (304 mg, 2.0 mmol) in DMF (4.0 mL) were added 3-methoxy-2-
(trimethylsilyl)phenyl triflate (1, 105 µL, 0.40 mmol) and ethyl iodoacetate 14 (95 µL, 0.80 mmol)
under argon atmosphere at 100 °C. After being stirred at the same temperature for 12 h, the reaction
mixture was diluted with saturated NaHCO3 and then extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic phase was

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dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated at reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash silica gel
column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane = 1:20–1:4) afforded the product 15a (35 mg, 40%). Product
16 was also formed.
4-Methoxy-2-benzofurancarboxylic acid, Ethyl ester (15a). Colorless oil. IR (KBr) 2981, 1726, 1609,
1
1570, 1500 cm−1. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.62 (1H, d, J = 1.0 Hz), 7.35 (1H, t, J = 8.2 Hz), 7.18 (1H, d,
J = 8.2 Hz), 6.67 (1H, d, J = 8.2 Hz), 4.43 (2H, q, J = 7.1 Hz), 3.94 (3H, s), 1.41 (3H, t, J = 7.1 Hz).
13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 159.5, 156.9, 154.6, 144.4, 128.5, 117.8, 111.6, 105.1, 103.5, 61.4, 55.6, 14.3.
HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C12H13O4 (M+H+): 221.0808, Found: 221.0806.
2-(2-Formyl-3-methoxyphenoxy)acetic acid, Ethyl ester (16). IR (KBr) 2981, 1756, 1689, 1597,
1474 cm−1. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 10.57 (1H, s), 7.42 (1H, t, J = 8.5 Hz), 6.63 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz), 6.44
(1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz), 4.72 (2H, s), 4.26 (2H, q, J = 7.0 Hz), 3.90 (3H, s), 1.28 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz).
13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 189.2, 168.2, 161.9, 160.6, 135.6, 114.9, 105.1, 104.8, 66.0, 61.5, 56.1, 14.1.
HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C12H15O5 (M+H+): 239.0920. Found: 239.0912.
3.7. Typical Procedure for Conversion of Dihydrobenzofurans into Benzofurans
To a solution of 7a (40.0 mg, 0.12 mmol) in THF (2.4 mL) was added EtMgBr (1.0 M in THF, 300 µL,
0.30 mmol) under argon atmosphere at −40 °C. After being stirred at −40 °C to room temperature for 3 h,
the reaction mixture was diluted with saturated NH4Cl and then extracted with AcOEt. The organic
phase was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated at reduced pressure to give quantitatively the crude
adduct 17a, which was used for next reaction without further purification. To a solution of 17a (35.2 mg,
0.10 mmol) in AcOEt (1.0 mL) was added silica gel (0.50 g) under the atmosphere at room temperature.
After being stirred for 12 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification
of the residue by flash silica gel column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane = 1:10–1:3) afforded the
product 15a (16.9 mg, 77%).
4-Methoxy-2-benzofurancarboxylic acid, Methyl ester (15b). Colorless oil. IR (KBr) 2952, 2844, 1733,
1609, 1500 cm−1. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.63 (1H, br s), 7.37 (1H, t, J = 8.2 Hz), 7.19 (1H, d, J = 8.2 Hz),
13
6.68 (1H, d, J = 8.2 Hz), 3.97 (3H, s), 3.96 (3H, s). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 160.0, 156.9, 154.7, 144.1,
128.7, 117.9, 111.9, 105.1, 103.5, 66.7, 52.3. HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C11H10O4Na (M+Na+): 229.0471,
Found: 229.0472.
3.8. Procedure for Direct Synthesis of Benzofuran 15b
To a suspension of CsF (183 mg, 1.20 mmol) in DMF (2.0 mL) was added Et2Zn (1.0 M in toluene,
200 µL, 0.20 mmol) under argon atmosphere at −60 °C. After being stirred at the same temperature for
5 min, methyl 2-chloroacetoacetate (18, 24 µL, 0.20 mmol) and 3-methoxy-2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl
triflate (1, 63 µL, 0.24 mmol) were added to the reaction mixture. After being stirred at −60 °C to
room temperature for 12 h, Et2Zn (1.0 M in toluene, 100 µL, 0.10 mmol) was added to the reaction
mixture. After being stirred for 3 h, silica gel (0.5 g) was added to the reaction mixture, and then it was
concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash silica gel column
chromatography (EtOAc/hexane = 1:20–1:4) afforded the product 15b (19.9 mg, 48%).

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3.9. Procedure for Transformation of Dihydrobenzofuran 8a into Benzofuran 15a
To a solution of dihydrobenzofuran 8a (50 mg, 0.16 mmol) in THF (3.2 mL) was added KHMDS
(0.50 M in toluene, 320 µL, 0.16 mmol) under argon atmosphere at −40 °C. After being stirred at the
same temperature for 12 h, the reaction mixture was diluted with saturated NaHCO3 and then extracted
with CH2Cl2. The organic phase was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated at reduced pressure.
Purification of the residue by PTLC (EtOAc/hexane = 1:4 with 2% CH2Cl2) afforded benzofuran 15a
(33 mg, 96%).
4. Conclusions
We have demonstrated that the domino three-component coupling reaction of arynes with DMF and
active methylenes or methines gave various heterocycles such as coumarin derivatives, dihydrobenzofurans
and benzofurans.
Acknowledgments
This work was partially supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B) Grant
Number 24790032.
Author Contributions
E. Yoshioka performed experiments and analyzed the data. S. Kohtani carried out part of the data
analysis and experiments. H. Miyabe contributed to design of the study and manuscript writing.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Sample Availability: Not available.
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