Directed metalation and regioselective functionalization of 3-bromofuran and related heterocycles with NaHMDS

A mild and regioselective functionalization protocol for 3-bromofuran and analogs has been developed. Selective metalation and functionalization of C2 can be achieved as a result of the directing effect of the adjacent electron-withdrawing bromo group. In addition, the C5 position can also be selectively functionalized by blocking the C2 position via silylation or by simply controlling the reaction temperature. These functionalized compounds bearing a C3 bromo substituent may be further elaborated by utilizing a Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling procedure.