Copper-Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization/Chalcogenation with Elemental S8/Se: Concise Synthesis of 3-(β-Hydroxychalcogen)benzofurans

A novel copper-catalyzed cyclization/chalcogenation of o-alkynylphenols with epoxides and elemental S8/Se was developed for the synthesis of a 3-chalcogen-benzofuran architecture in a domino process with no intermediate isolation or purification. Various sensitive functional groups were compatible at room temperature and furnished chalcogenation derivatives in moderate to good yields.