The optically pure cyclopenta[b]benzofuran derivatives (-)-1 and (-)-2
were synthesized from (+)-(1S,4R)-cis-4-acetoxy-2-cyclopenten-1-ol [(
+/-)-3] via sequential Mitsunobu reaction and palladium-catalyzed ally
lic substitution with phenol derivatives followed by S(N)2' intramolec
ular cyclization.