Synthesis of Regioisomeric Functionalized Benzodifurans and Angelicins

Abstract

Arenofurans have important biological and pharmacological activities. Compared to benzofurans, the reports on the synthesis of benzodifurans are rather limited. Here, we report the synthesis of a linear and an angular 3,3′‐bis(carboxymethyl)substituted benzodifuran and 4′‐carboxymethyl‐substituted angelicins from phloroglucinol, using 4‐halomethyl‐substituted dipyrones as key intermediates in the synthetic route. This strategy shows that the stability of a pyrone ring depends on the type of substituent at C(4) and the conditions used.