General synthesis of 2,1-benzisoxazoles (anthranils) from nitroarenes and benzylic C-H acids in aprotic media promoted by combination of strong bases and silylating agents.

Carbanions of phenylacetonitriles, benzyl sulfones, and dialkyl benzylphosphonates add nitroarenes at the ortho-position to the nitro group to form [Formula: see text]-adducts that, upon treatment with trialkylchlorosilane and additional base (t-BuOK or DBU), transform into 3-aryl-2,1-benzisoxazoles in moderate-to-good yields.