Abstract A compact and regioselective approach to 2-substituted isoflav-3-enes based on a preformed 2-unsubstituted isoflavene is described. Isoflavene oxidation by hydride ion abstraction to the corresponding isoflavylium salt using trityl hexafluorophosphate followed by nucleophilic addition to the 2-position resulted in the introduction of a range of substituent groups in generally moderate to good yields.
