Transition-metal-free decarbonylation–oxidation of 3-arylbenzofuran-2(3H)-ones: access to 2-hydroxybenzophenones

Abstract

A transition-metal-free decarbonylation–oxidation protocol for the conversion of 3-arylbenzofuran-2(3H)-ones to 2-hydroxybenzophenones under mild conditions has been developed. NMR studies confirmed the role of in-situ-generated hydroperoxide in the conversion. The protocol was applied to a diverse range of substrates to access the target products in good to excellent yields. A structure–activity study for the 5-substituted-2-hydroxybenzophenones towards UV-protection abilities has been verified by mathematical calculations.

Keywords

• decarbonylation–oxidation
• hydroperoxide
• 2-hydroxybenzophenone
• transition-metal-free
• uv-protection