A novel and efficient synthesis of <i>bis</i>(benzofuranyl)methanes and 2-benzofuran-1-nitroalkanes catalyzed by Bi(OTf)

Abstract

Bismuth (III) triflate-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts reactions between benzofuran and aldehydes in different solvents were investigated. Bis(benzofuranyl)methanes were obtained with good yields when acetonitrile was used as solvent, while in the case of nitromethane the multi-component reaction products, 2-benzofuran-1-nitroalkanes, were formed under similar conditions. A plausible mechanism is given.Key words: benzofuran, aldehyde, bis(benzofuranyl)methanes, Bi(OTf) 3 , 2-benzofuran-1-nitroalkane.