2,5-Dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran chemistry: a new approach to 2(5H)-furanone derivatives

2,5-Dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran is a synthetic equivalent of 2(5H)-furanone or 2-trimethylsilyloxyfuran, useful C4 synthons in the preparation of 5-substituted-2(5H)-furanone derivatives. The reaction conditions adopted allow to obtain different classes of complex and biologically interesting compounds, in only one step, with high yields.