Cu2O-catalyzed tandem ring-opening/coupling cyclization process for the synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxins

2,3-Dihydro-1,4-benzodioxins can be prepared in a tandem one-pot procedure by reaction of o-iodophenols with epoxides catalyzed by Cu2O/1,10-phenanthroline/Cs2CO3 system. The reaction is suggested to occur via a novel ring-opening/coupling mechanism, giving moderate to good yields. Moreover, both aryl and aliphatic epoxides are tolerated under these conditions.