Sequential homobimetallic catalysis: an unprecedented tandem Pd(0)-catalysed deprotection – Pd (II)-catalysed heterocyclisation reaction leading to benzofurans

We report here the first example of sequential homobimetallic catalysis: a transition metal catalyst with the metal in a certain oxidation state catalyses the deprotection of a functional group, which in situ undergoes a subsequent transformation catalysed by another complex of the same metal but in a different oxidation state.