Synthesis of 2,5-Disubstituted Furans from Sc(OTf) 3 Catalyzed Reaction of Aryl Oxiranediesters with γ-Hydroxyenones.

A convenient synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted furan was developed by employing donor-acceptor oxiranes in a new reaction with γ-hydroxyenones. Sc(OTf)3 was found to be the best catalyst, and 2,5-disubstituted furans are obtained in moderate to good yields under mild reaction conditions. The scope of the reaction is quite decent, allowing for the synthesis of disubstituted furans having aryl and heteroaromatic groups.