A new synthesis of the benzofuran adenosine antagonist XH-14

5-(3-Hydroxypropyl)-7-methoxy-2-(3′-methoxy-4′-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]furan-3-carbaldehyde (XH-14, 1) has been reported to be a potent A1 adenosine antagonist. We have developed an efficient synthesis of this compound that should prove valuable for further structure-activity studies. The synthesis incorporates optimised methodology for the selective protection of a hydroxyl group and the ortho-bromination of a phenol.