Reactions of 2,2′,5′,2′-terfuran

Formylation of 2,2′,5′,2′-terfuran ( 1 ) with N-methylformanilide and phosphorus oxychloride gave 5-formyl-2,2′,5′,2′-terfuran ( 2 ) and 5,5′-diformyl-2,2′5′,2′-terfuran ( 3 ). Reduction of 2 and 3 afforded 5-hydroxymethyl-2,2′,5′,2′-terfuran ( 4 ) and 5,5′ dihydroxymethyl-2,2′,5′,2′-terfuran ( 5 ), respectively. Terfuran 1 reacted with phenylmagnesium bromide to give 5-(phenylhydroxymethyl)-2,2′,5′,2′-terfuran ( 6 ), and was carbonated to 5-carboxy 2,2′,5′,2′-terfuran ( 7 ) and 5,5′-dicarboxy-2,2′,5′,2′-terfuran ( 8 ). Bromination of 1 with N-bromosuccinimide gave 5,5′-dibromo 2,2′,5′,2′-terfuran ( 9 ).