A class of polysubstituted functionalized furans was synthesized efficiently starting from readily available furans involving the oxidative ringopening of the furanrings using NBS as an oxidant. The reaction proceeded through a sequence of oxidative dearomatization of the furanring/spirocyclization/aromatization.
A method to extend the scope of the aza‐Piancatelli reaction between 2‐furylcarbinols and anilines is depicted. We found that 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) is the solvent of choice for this transformation, as it outcompetes the usual solvents in terms of rate and yield. Side reactions and other issues raised by the title reaction are prevented, thereby providing an avenue to complex molecules