Simple, Efficient, and Stereoselective Oxidation of Triphenylfurans to cis‐But‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diones

Abstract

Triphenylfurans are stereoselctively oxidized to cis‐but‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diones, suitable precursors of 3(2H)‐furanones, in very good yields using ammonium nitrate or potassium nitrate in 80% aqueous acetic acid.

Keywords:

• cis‐but‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diones
• 3(2H)‐furanones
• stereoselective oxidation
• triphenylfurans

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in the form of Research Grant No. SP/S1/G‐23/2000. J. P. R. acknowledges Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, India, for financial assistance in the form of a research fellowship. M. V. V. U. acknowledges the University Grants Commission, India, for financial assistance.