Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and tubulin-binding properties of a benzofuran analogue of the potent cytotoxic agent combretastatin A4

The benzofuran (4), a ring-fused analogue of the potent antimitotic agent combretastatin A4 (1), has been prepared by a convergent route involving 5-endo-dig iodocyclization of o-hydroxytolan (5) as the key step. Compound (4), which has been characterized crystallographically as well as spectroscopically, is inactive as a tubulin-binding agent.