A new electrosynthesis of 2,2-dimethylchromenes from 2-(1-bromo-1-methylethyl)benzofurans

Electrolytic reduction of 2-(1-bromo-1-methylethyl)benzofurans in acetonitrile affords the corresponding 2,2-dimethylchromenes in good yields even in the absence of a proton donor and comprises the cleavage of a carbon–bromine bond followed by ring expansion.