Formation of homoallylic bromohydrins in indium-mediated allylation reactions of phenacyl bromides in aqueous solution

A method is described for carrying out indium-mediated allylation reactions of phenacyl bromides in aqueous solution that form homoallylic bromohydrins. By employing subsequent base treatment, the homoallylic bromohydrins were converted to allylic epoxides. Finally, the process has been used as a key step in a concise sequence for the synthesis of 3-allylbenzofuran.