Total synthesis of an antioxidant isolated from yeast via palladium-catalyzed coupling and its application for related compounds

A total synthesis of an antioxidant (1) having a benzofuran skeleton was achieved in four steps via the palladium(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction. We also prepared several related compounds bearing a variety of aromatic or heterocyclic rings. Some of these compounds demonstrate more potent than 1 for antioxidative activity using guinea pig liver microsomes.