Simple and efficient synthesis of benzofuran derivatives from tyrosol

A convenient strategy for the preparation of compounds bearing the benzofuran skeleton starting from tyrosol, a phenol largely present in olive oil production waste, with no biological importance, is reported. A bromination/methoxylation sequence, already described for the synthetic transformation of naturally occurring compounds, was exploited. Depending on the solvent used for the methoxylation reaction together with the presence of a 4-phenol moiety respect to the side chain, benzodihydrofurans or a benzofurans derivative can be obtained.