10.1016/0223-5234(87)90275-3
The research focuses on the synthesis of a series of nitro-naphtho[1,2-b]furans with methoxy groups on the external homocycle. The purpose of this study is to synthesize and characterize these compounds, which are of interest due to their potential mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, similar to the previously studied methoxy-7 nitro-2 naphtho[2,1-b]furane (R 7000). The researchers used methoxy-tetralones as starting materials, converting them into ortho-hydroxylated naphthaldehydes via a series of chemical reactions involving ethyl formate, sodium methoxide, and dichlorodicyanobenzoquinone. These intermediates were then treated with bromonitromethane and potassium carbonate, followed by dehydration in acetic anhydride to yield the desired nitro-naphtho[1,2-b]furans. The study concludes that this synthetic method is efficient, with overall yields ranging from 40% to 70% for the different compounds. The synthesized compounds are obtained in sufficient quantities for further biological testing, which will be detailed in subsequent studies.