One-pot synthesis of highly conjugated benzofuran derivatives based on electrochemical oxidation of benzenediols in the presence of dibenzoylmethane.

Electrochemical oxidation of benzenediols (1--4) has been studied in the presence of dibenzoylmethane (5) as a nucleophile using cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential coulometry. The results indicate that the electrochemically generated quinones participate in Michael addition reaction with 5 via various mechanisms to produce new benzofuran derivatives. We derived various products based on electrochemical oxidation in the controlled potential condition, at carbon electrode without toxic reagents in an undivided cell and ambient condition.