Synthesis of cyclopenta[b]benzofurans via biomimetic oxidative phenol–enamine [3 + 2] cycloaddition

A hemin/ t -BuOOH-catalyzed oxidative phenol–enamine formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition has been developed, enabling the environmentally benign synthesis of valuable cyclopenta[ b ]benzofuran scaffolds under sustainable reaction conditions.