Visible light and base promoted O-H insertion/cyclization of para-quinone methides with aryl diazoacetates: An approach to 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran derivatives

A visible light and base promoted O-H insertion/cyclization of para-quinone methides with aryl diazoacetates is developed. This one-pot two step reaction offers a mild and efficient approach for the synthesis of biologically important 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran derivatives in good yields and moderate diastereoselectivities.