We have developed a metal-free, mild, and green synthetic route toward benzothieno­[3,2-b]­benzofurans by the annulation of 3-nitrobenzothiophene with phenols. The reaction was found to be general with a range of substituted phenols. In addition, we could extend the methodology for the synthesis of pentacenes and could demonstrate the synthesis in gram-scale. Moreover, we extended the strategy for the synthesis of benzothieno­[2,3-b]­benzofurans by starting from 2-nitrobenzothiophenes.

An NHC-mediated synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline and indolizine derivatives with potential biological activity is reported (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene). The preliminary photophysical studies of such compounds reveal that they have potential application in the sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Although NHC-catalyzed umpolung of imines are known, the related reactions under oxidative conditions are limited. Described herein is the two-step process involving the initial formation of aldimines from the corresponding aldehydes and 2-amino benzyl alcohols followed by NHC-catalyzed cyclization proceeding via the imidoyl azoliums under oxidative conditions. The reaction allowed the synthesis of trifluoromethylated 3,1-benzoxazines in good yields and broad scope. The role of NHC in the intramolecular cyclization and preliminary mechanistic experiments are also provided.

A nucleophilic heterocyclic carbene mediated homoenolate annulation of enals to aurone analogs leading to the efficient synthesis of cyclopentene-fused spirobenzofuran-3-ones is reported.

An unprecedented three component reaction involving arylidene oxazolone, enal and NHC, leading to the synthesis of fully substituted cyclopentanone derivatives with three contiguous stereocenters, is reported.