TBAI/TBHP mediated oxidative cross coupling of ketones with phenols and carboxylic acids: Direct access to benzofurans

TBAI/TBHP mediated oxidative cross coupling of phenols and carboxylic acids with ketones has been reported under metal-free, base free, solvent free conditions enabling environmentally benign synthesis of aryloxyketones, acyloxy ketones and benzofurans. Phenoxyketones and acyloxylcarbonyl compounds were synthesized in good to high yields, where as benzofurans were synthesized in moderate yields. This method is operationally simple, works under mild conditions, using commercially available as well as inexpensive TBAI and an oxidant TBHP.