Benzofuran Synthesis through Iodocyclization Reactions: Recent Advances

Over the years many synthetic routes have been reported for the preparation of benzofurans [1,4,5]. Iodocyclization of functionalized alkynes is one of the most important and efficient synthetic methodologies for the synthesis of important heterocyclic compounds, including benzofurans [6,7]. Due to our continuous interest in the synthesis and biological evaluation of important heterocycles, [8-10] we became interested in Benzofuran synthesis. Here the recent advances (2014-17) in this powerful strategy for making benzofurans are reported.