phenylalkyl - 2 , 3 - dihydrobenzofurans and analogs were prepared by nucleophilic substitution involving an appropriately substituted 2 , 3 - dihydrobenzofuranol and a cinnamylhalide followed by reduction ; or by wittig reaction involving a halomethyl derivative of 2 , 3 - dihydrobenzofuran ( or 2 , 3 - dihydrobenzopyran and an aryl or a heteroaryl aldehyde followed by reduction . these compounds were found to be potent anti - inflammatory agents .