Double isomerization/cycloisomerization/aromatization of 1-(allyloxy)-2-(cyclopropylmethyl)benzenes to give 2-ethyl-3-isopropylbenzofurans using a multitasking single rhodium catalyst.

Abstract

Multitasking single-catalyst systems that allow multiple chemical transformations within a single reaction vessel are important for the development of eco-compatible chemistry. Here, we have developed a rhodium-catalyzed system that transforms 1-(allyloxy)-2-(cyclopropylmethyl)benzene derivatives to 2-ethyl-3-isopropylbenzofurans via double isomerization/cycloisomerization/aromatization.