Deprotonation of Benzylic Ethers Using a Hindered Phosphazene Base. A Synthesis of Benzofurans from <i>Ortho</i>-Substituted Benzaldehydes

Abstract

The hindered nonionic phosphazene base P(4)-t-Bu efficiently deprotonates o-arylmethoxy benzaldehydes, leading to a direct synthesis of benzofurans. Strong ionic bases such as LDA, LiTMP, and KH failed.