A Highly Chemoselective, Zr-Catalyzed C–O Bond Functionalization of Benzofuran

The chemoselective C–O bond functionalization of benzofuran with an aluminum dihydride may be catalyzed by zirconocene dichlorides. The reaction proceeds with the formal addition of a C–O bond to, and elimination of dihydrogen from, aluminum. The product of C–O bond alumination reacts with benzaldehyde via insertion of the carbonyl into the newly formed Al–C bond