Cu(II)‐Mediated C−C/C−O Bond Formation via C−H/C−C Bond Cleavage: Access to Benzofurans Using Amide as a Traceless Directing Group

A copper‐mediated synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted benzofurans with the assistance of an 8‐aminoquinolyl auxiliary is described from readily available benzamides and benzoylacetonitriles. In this reaction, the C−C bond is successfully constructed via C−H activation, and C−O bond is subsequently formed at the original position of the amide group in a one‐pot manner. The amide directing group is detached simultaneously under the reaction conditions through C−C bond cleavage. Surprisngly, the distinct isoquinolinone products can be achieved by changing the reaction conditions using ammonia as amine source.