Abnormal displacement reaction of 2-(chloromethyl)-3,4-diphenylfuran with aqueous potassium cyanide

2-(Chloromethyl)-3,4-diphenylfuran reacted with aqueous potassium cyanide to give an α-angelica lactone derivative (V, 3,4-diphenyl-5-methyl-2(5H)furanone), which has never been isolated in such a reaction, as the main product.