Laccase-catalyzed stereoselective oxidative ring opening of 2,5-dialkylfurans into 2-ene-1,4-diones using air as an oxidant

Abstract

The laccase-catalyzed ring opening of 2,5-dimethylfuran using air as an oxidant stereoselectively yields (Z)- or (E)-3-hexene-2,5-dione depending on the mediator employed: with TEMPO the (Z)-3-hexene-2,5-dione is formed, while a combination of TEMPO and violuric acid gives (E)-3-hexene-2,5-dione. The (Z)-selective ring cleavage was extended to a variety of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 2,5-dialkylfurans.