A new synthesis of 3(2H)-furanones from acetylenic β-diketones

Thermal cyclization of 1,5-diarylpent-1-yne-3,5-diones led to the formation of 2-benzyliden-5-aryl-3(2H) furanones as well as 2,6-diaryl-4H-pyran-4-ones as minor products. The structure of the furanones was established from their ir, ¹H nmr and mass spectral data. Their reaction with hydrazine hydrate gave pyrazole derivatives.