Synthesis of 3-formylbenzo[b]furan and 1-methyl-3,4-dihydrobenzo[b]-furo[2,3-c]pyridine

Starting from the readily available 3-methylcoumarilate, 3-formylbenzob]furan was synthesized in high yield. The latter could be converted to 1-methyl-3,4-dihydrobenzob]furo-2,3-c]pyridine in moderate yield.