Abstract The Rössing’s reaction of 4-substituted 2-acylphenoxyacetic acids give a mixture of benzofurans and 2-benzofurancarboxylic acids. The relative yields of benzofurans and 2-benzofurancarboxylic acids depend on the substituents on the benzene ring of the 2-acylphenoxyacetic acids. Electron-withdrawing substituents such as nitro groups favor the formation of 2-benzofurancarboxylic acids. On the other hand, the formation of benzofurans is favored by the steric hindrance of 2-acyl groups in the reaction of 2-acyl-4-nitrophenoxyacetic acids with anhydrous sodium acetate and acetic anhydride.