Benzofuran

Benzofuran is the heterocyclic compound consisting of fused benzene and furan rings. This colourless liquid is a component of coal tar. Benzofuran is the "parent" of many related compounds with more complex structures. For example, psoralen is a benzofuran derivative that occurs in several plants.
Production.
Benzofuran is extracted from coal tar. It is also obtained by dehydrogenation of 2-ethylphenol.
Laboratory methods.
Benzofurans can be prepared by various methods in the laboratory. Notable examples include: