2,5-Dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran: A convenient synthon for a novel mono-protected glyoxal; synthesis of 4-hydroxybutenolides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)97588-9

Ozonolysis, followed by a reductive work up of 2,5-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran generates the symmetrical bis-aldehyde (9) which reacts in situ with certain stabilized phosphoranes. Hydrolysis of the resultant alkene acetals affords 4-hydroxybutenolides (1) end (2).