A FACILE AND GENERAL SYNTHESIS OF 4-HYDROXYCYCLOPENTENONES

Abstract

Abstract Various rethrolones were prepared in good yields simply from 2,5-disubstituted furans. The electrooxidation of 2,5-disubstituted dihydrofurans gave 2,5-dimethoxy-2,5-disubstituted dihydrofurans. Hydrolysis of electrooxidation products with ion enchange-resin, followed by the treatment with base gave rethrolones. Furthermore, this method was applicable for the synthesis of 2-alkyl-4-hydroxycyclopentenone.