Pd-catalyzed homo-coupling of benzofurans: one-pot synthesis of diverse 3,3'-bisbenzofurans.

An efficient and one-pot synthesis of 3,3'-bisbenzofuran derivatives has been developed. The protocol involved the use of a Pd catalyst and Cu(OAc) 2 along with molecular oxygen as the oxidant to afford bisbenzofurans via a dehydrogenative homo-coupling reaction. The reaction exhibited good functional group/heterocycle tolerance and is amenable for gram scale synthesis.