An Easy Access to Benzofurans via DBU Induced Condensation Reaction of Active 2‐Hydroxy Acetophenones with Phenacyl Chlorides: A Novel Class of Antioxidant Agents

A convenient and efficient one‐pot synthesis of benzofurans 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, 3k, 3l, 3m, 3n, 3o, 3p, 3q, 3r, 3s, 3t has been described from 2‐hydroxy acetophenones and phenacyl chlorides in the presence of DBU. The procedure was applicable for a variety of phenacyl chlorides and provides a variety of benzofurans with higher yields. DBU acts as a base and as well as nucleophiles. All the derivatives were subjected to in vitro antioxidant screenings against representative 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radicals and results worth for further investigations.