Transition-Metal-Free Synthesis of 2‑Substituted Methyl Benzo[<i>b</i>]furan-3-carboxylates

A concise and highly efficient synthetic pathway was developed for 2-substituted methyl benzo­[b]­furan-3-carboxylates. This method provides convenient and cost-effective access for 2-substituted methyl benzo­[b]­furan-3-carboxylates without the use of a transition metal catalyst for synthesis. Furthermore, in most cases, this method gives excellent yields and conventional flash column chromatography is not needed for purification.