Paal–Knorr Furan Synthesis Using TiCl4 as Dehydrating Agent: A Concise Furan Synthesis from α-Haloketones and β-Dicarbonyl Compounds

Abstract

An efficient and facile method for the Paal–Knorr furan synthesis using titanium tetrachloride as dehydrating agent is described. Tricarbonyl compounds, prepared through the nucleophilic substitution of α-halogenated ketones and β-dicarbonyl compounds, are easily condensed to their corresponding polysubstituted furans. The reaction also occurs efficiently with tetracarbonyl compounds derived by dimerization of β-dicarbonyl compounds.