Copper Pincer Complexes as Advantageous Catalysts for the Heteroannulation of <i>ortho</i>‐Halophenols and Alkynes

Abstract

Abstract A new, non‐symmetrical copper(II) pincer complex catalyzes much more efficiently the formation of benzofuran by the reaction between ortho ‐iodophenols and alkynes. The lowest catalyst loadings are realized for this reaction, and bromo‐ and chlorophenols are heteroannulated for the first time. Strong evidence for hydrophenoxylation and intramolecular halogen atom‐transfer steps catalyzed by this remarkably active, recyclable homogeneous catalyst is provided. magnified image