Sequential Pd(0)-catalyzed reactions for the construction of multiple substituted furans. A short synthesis of the F5 furan fatty acid

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)00054-9

4,5-Dibromofurfural (1) undergoes a regioselective Pd(0)-catalyzed C-C bond forming reaction at its C-5 position to yield corresponding furans 3. The second bromine substituent in C-4 position can be substituted by a methyl group in a subsequent Pd(0)-catalyzed cross coupling reaction. The furan fatty acid 12 and its benzyl ester 13 were prepared in a short synthetic sequence using this method.