Synthesis of Dibenzofurans by Cu-Catalyzed Deborylative Ring Contraction of Dibenzoxaborins

An efficient transformation of dibenzoxaborins to dibenzofurans by deborylative ring contraction was achieved under mild conditions using a copper catalyst. The method showed a broad substrate scope enabling the preparation of various dibenzofurans, including those bearing a functional group. The ready availability of various dibenzoxaborins enhances the utility of this method, as demonstrated by the regiodivergent synthesis of dibenzofurans.