One-pot synthesis of 2,2′-bisbenzofurans using cuprous chloride as a catalyst

A variety of novel 5,5′-disubstituted-2,2′-bisbenzofuran derivatives were synthesized by treatment of 4-substituted-2-(2-trimethylsilylethynyl)phenyl tert-butyldimethylsilyl ether analogues with CuCl as a catalyst in 62–82% isolated yields. This novel strategy provides a straightforward and simple pathway for the preparation of 2,2′-bisbenzofuran derivatives of interest in life and material sciences.