Intermediates in the cycloanhydrotetramerization of furan with aliphatic and alicyclic ketones

Abstract

The acid-catalysed reaction of furan with acetone has been investigated for the presence of intermediates by vapour phase chromatography of the reaction mixture. It has been shown that 2-furyl-2-propene is a component of the furan–acetone reaction mixture. Other possible intermediates have been prepared and their reactions investigated. It is our conclusion that the alcohol, 2-furyl-2-propanol, is the initial intermediate in the condensation reaction. We have also reexamined some reactions between furan and cyclohexanone reported by other investigators.