β-Nitroacrylates and Phenols as Key Precursors of Arenofuran-3-carboxylates.

Herein we report a new, practical and efficient preparation of benzofuran-3-carboxylates and naphthofuran-3-carboxylates starting from β-nitroacrylates and phenols. The reaction is promoted by indium trichloride and leads to the target compounds in good to very good yields under microwave irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]