Benzofuran is a chemical compound that consists of a fused ring structure made up of a benzene ring and a furan ring. It is classified as an aromatic heterocyclic compound, which means it contains at least one atom that is not carbon in its ring structure. Benzofuran is often used in organic synthesis and can serve as a building block for various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. This compound is found in several natural products and has been studied for its potential biological activities. Some derivatives of benzofuran have shown promise in medicinal chemistry, particularly in the development of drugs targeting cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Its unique structure allows for diverse chemical modifications, making it a valuable compound in research and industry.