Cyclization and halogenation of substituted o-allylphenols with diacetoxyiodobenzene in the presence of iodine or bromine

Substituted 2-halomethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans were synthesized in one pot and in mild yield from substituted o-allylphenols with diacetoxyiodobenzene in the presence of I2 or Br2 in dry CH2Cl2 under reflux.