Copper-catalyzed synthesis of 1-(2-benzofuryl)-N-heteroarenes from -hydroxy--(dibromovinyl)benzenes and N-heteroarenes.

An efficient method for the synthesis of 1-(2-benzofuryl)-N-heteroarenes is developed from -hydroxy--(dibromovinyl)benzenes and N-heteroarenes under copper-catalyzed tandem reaction conditions. This methodology displayed a broad substrate scope and high yields in the preparation of a variety of 1-(2-benzofuryl)-N-heteroarenes. Further, 1-(2-benzofuryl)-N-heteroarenes were also applied in the synthesis of polycyclic benzofuro-indolo-pyridine scaffolds under palladium-catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling conditions. Overall, the present tandem approach is general, synthetically advantageous and avoids air-sensitive reagents.