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

The hindered nonionic phosphazene base P4-t-Bu efficiently deprotonates o-arylmethoxy benzaldehydes, leading to a direct synthesis of benzofurans. Strong ionic bases such as LDA, LiTMP, and KH failed

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

The hindered nonionic phosphazene base P4-t-Bu efficiently deprotonates o-arylmethoxy benzaldehydes, leading to a direct synthesis of benzofurans. Strong ionic bases such as LDA, LiTMP, and KH failed.Reprinted (adapted) with permission from Organic Letters, 2(16); 2409-2410. Doi: 10.1021/ol0000758. Copyright 2000 American Chemical Society. </p