A novel route to 2-(dialkylaminomethyl)benzo[b]furans via a microwave-enhanced, solventless Mannich condensation–cyclization on cuprous iodide doped alumina

A microwave-enhanced, solventless Mannich condensation–cyclization sequence involving the reaction of o-ethynylphenol with secondary amines and para-formaldehyde on cuprous iodide doped alumina in the absence of solvents has been developed. The procedure generates 2-(dialkylaminomethyl)benzo[b]furans in good yields.