Synthesis of 2-Arylbenzo[<i>b</i>]furans via Copper(I)-Catalyzed Coupling of <i>o</i>-Iodophenols and Aryl Acetylenes

We report a copper(I)-catalyzed procedure for the synthesis of 2-arylbenzo[b]furans. This protocol can be used to synthesize a variety of 2-arylbenzo[b]furans in good to excellent yields. This method can tolerate a variety of functional groups, does not require the use of expensive additives, and is palladium-free.