Synthesis of diarylalkanes through an intramolecular/intermolecular addition sequence by auto-tandem catalysis with strong Brønsted base

Abstract

An auto-tandem catalysis with a strong Brønsted base enabled the synthesis of diarylalkanes containing a benzofuran moiety. Potassium tert-butoxide efficiently catalyzed both the intramolecular cyclization of less acidic ortho-alkynylaryl benzyl ethers and the following intermolecular addition of diarylmethanes to styrenes, demonstrating the high potential of the catalysis in organic synthesis.