Benzofuran with alkyl Grignard reagents

Benzofuran-3(2/f)-ones (396) exist in the keto form but undergo ready enolization. Acetylation with acetic anhydride and sodium acetate affords 3-acetoxybenzo[6]furans, but reaction under acidic conditions usually supplies these products admixed with 3-acetoxy-2-acetylbenzo[6]furans. Alkylation usually furnishes a mixture of O- and C-alkylated products. 3-Acetoxy-6-methoxy-4-methylbenzo[6]furan, on Vilsmeier reaction, supplies the 3-chlorobenzo[6]furan-2-carbaldehyde, the product expected from an enolizable ketone (72AJC545). Benzofuran-3(2//)-ones react normally with carbonyl reagents. Grignard reagents react in the expected way and dehydration of the intermediate affords a 3-substituted benzo[6]furan. The methylene group is reactive so that self condensation, condensation with aldehydes and ketones and reaction with Michael acceptors all occur readily. 

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