| Abstract: | A novel metal‐free synthesis of 3,3‐disubstituted benzofuran‐2‐(3H)‐ones through reacting α‐aryl‐α‐diazoacetates with triarylboranes is presented. Initially, triarylboranes were successfully investigated in α‐arylations of α‐diazoacetates, however in the presence of a heteroatom in the ortho position, the boron enolate intermediate undergoes an intramolecular rearrangement to form a quaternary center. The intermediate cyclizes to afford valuable 3,3‐disubstituted benzofuranones in good yields. |
