An Efficient Synthesis of 4-Oxoalkenoic Acids from 2-Alkylfurans

An efficient synthesis of 4-oxo-2-alkenoic acids is achieved by the reaction of 2-alkylfurans with sodium chlorite in acidic aqueous solution. The method is applicable to the total synthesis of biologically active phospholipids containing this functional array. The oxidation procedure also converts 2,5-dialkyl furans to (alpha),(beta)-unsaturated-(gamma)-diketones in good yields.